One of the Geelong Falcons’ top draft prospects has revealed how he was inspired by some of the biggest names in sport ahead of the AFL draft. This is what he said.
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The 18-year-old’s AFL draft combine test last month didn’t go as planned after a nasty back-foot drag during the 20m sprint resulted in him being disqualified three times.
However, before becoming the greatest American football player in history, the dart back took solace in Brady’s famously poor draft grade.
“Tom Brady was the 199th overall pick and he probably had the slowest 40-yard dash he had all year, so I look at that and (it) kind of settles in for me,” Hasty said .
“It was fun, but also a little embarrassing.”
Angus Hastie. Picture: Alison Winder
Hastie represents Victoria and plays a key role in the 2023 Geelong Falcons squad as the Geelong region’s only national combine representative this year.
With less than a week to go before realizing his dream, Hastie is particularly grateful for all the support from local club Geelong West End.
“The coaches there gave me a great opportunity to develop my game and then go to the next level with the Falcons and they still have my back,” he said.
“Geelong West End has been unreal, it will always be my home club and I will always go back there to watch games.”
A rebounding force at center back, Hasty’s speed and athleticism were his clear strengths, finishing third in the agility test at the combine.
Hastie said he has spoken to a number of AFL clubs this year and will go wherever he wants to pursue his major league dream.
Tom Brady was the inspiration for Angus Hastie. Photo: The Boston Globe via Getty Images.
“Whichever team gives me a chance, whether it’s in Perth, Queensland, South Australia or even Victoria, I’m looking forward to getting a place at an AFL club,” he said.
He said being interviewed by Geelong as a Cats fan as a kid was “very exciting”.
“It’s so unreal,” he said.
The agile defender just wants a small circle surrounding him and hearing his name called on draft night.
The AFL national draft begins on November 20.