Some pre-draft articles on Batchelor.....
Nervous wait for hopeful BatchelorBy Simon McEvoy
Frankston Standard Leader
18 OCT 2010, Page 081THE past 12 months has been something of a football magic carpet ride for Frankston South teenager Jake Batchelor.
And the ride could be about to deliver him to an AFL club as one of the latest draftees.
``It's become a very serious goal now and I wouldn't want anything else in the world,'' he said of his bid to play in the AFL.
In September, 2009, Batchelor played in two grand finals in the space of eight days. He was part of the Frankston Bombers' drought-breaking senior premiership and then played at Etihad Stadium in the TAC Cup grand final with the Dandenong Stingrays alongside Tom Scully, Ryan Bastinac and Dylan Roberton.
The good times flowed on this year. Season 2010 was a break-out year for the former Frankston Rovers junior.
He took his game to a new level, starring on a back flank in many of the Stingrays' 15 wins.
Deservedly, Batchelor last month won the Stingrays' best and fairest award, joining a crack list of past winners that includes Justin Leppitsch, Trent Croad and Aussie Jones.
``Going into the night I didn't have any expectations,'' he said.
``I knew I had a good year. I was very happy with the award.''
With several AFL clubs showing interest, Batchelor was chosen to attend the AFL Draft Combine in Canberra.
Over four days he threw himself into a series of tests and spoke with a string of AFL clubs.
``I spoke to a few clubs before the draft camp and I had about nine or so interviews up there,'' he said. ``I don't know what to take out of it, but I guess the more (interviews) you have the more you put yourself out there.''
Draft day on November 18 could be the most thrilling day of his life.
``If a club is willing to take me I'm willing to give it all I've got. I'd be happy to go anywhere to be honest,'' he said.
Batchelor says watching his former Stingrays teammates Scully, Bastinac and Roberton make successful entries into the AFL this year had spurred him on.
``Last year I didn't really understand what it took to make it to the big stage, and then I watched Ryan Bastinac, Tom Scully and Dylan Roberton from last year and realised how they train, prepare themselves and do all the right things after a game,'' he said. ``To become a professional you've got to act like one.
``Twelve months ago they were in my position so to see what they have done in 12 months is amazing and that just drives me that little bit extra to get the best out of myself and give it a red hot crack.''
Batchelor said the star trio had provided helpful advice.
``They've been good with me and given me a bit of help.''