Northampton’s Brynn Teakle hoping for a second shot at AFL in mid-season draft

Northampton’s Brynn Teakle has cracked it into the AFL, being selected by Port Adelaide in the mid-season rookie draft.

The 203cm ruckman was chosen at pick No. 8 by Power, hoping the big man will boost their flagging ruck stocks.

Teakle, 22, has impressed so far this season playing for East Fremantle. He has previously trained with Essendon during the 2020 preseason and been listed as a top-up player by Fremantle under the AFL’s COVID rules.

Before the draft, Teakle told the Geraldton Guardian he had put the hard work in and was feeling more confident in his body and preparation after his stint at Essendon was ruined by COVID.

BEFORE THE DRAFT

It’s been a big week for Northampton’s Brynn Teakle — the 22-year-old ruckman impressed in East Fremantle’s victory over Subiaco on Saturday, before turning his attention to the prospect of getting picked up in Wednesday’s AFL mid-season rookie draft.

Teakle is no stranger to the AFL, having trained with Essendon during the club’s 2020 preseason before it was cut short due to COVID.

While it did not work out that time, Teakle said the experience further motivated him to chase his AFL dream.

“Yeah definitely, having a taste of Essendon and the AFL life I absolutely fell in love with it and I was like, that’s definitely something I want to do.

“So yeah put my head down, bum up and just put the work in, putting myself in a good position to hopefully, potentially get picked up.”

The 203m ruckman has impressed for East Fremantle this season, averaging 15 disposals and 17 hitouts per game.

Teakle said having a full preseason under his belt was key to his improved performances this year.

“I definitely feel a lot better, I’m more confident in myself and I’ve got a bigger body, I’ve put on six kgs since last season.

“My preparation and professionalism has got a lot better this year so yeah I’m finding myself a lot more confident at the league level and definitely coping a lot better as well.”

According to The West Australian, Port Adelaide are favourites to recruit Teakle in today’s mid-season draft.

It is understood the Power have put the 22-year-old through several tests in recent weeks and are considering giving him a chance, with the club currently holding pick eight.

Hawthorn, who holds pick six, and Adelaide (pick four) have also shown interest.

While not many players get a second shot at the AFL, Teakle is taking it all in his stride.

“It’s definitely exciting, I probably haven’t had this much attention for a while. So yeah, it’s definitely nice to have my name out there and a bit of interest, which is good,” he said.

If he does get the call, Teakle will have the support of his family back in the Mid West, his friends and his East Freo teammates to thank.

“A few of the leaders (at the club) have really put me under their wing and pushed me in the right direction. So I’m very thankful for the support I have around me,” he said.

Although a special thank you is reserved for his two biggest supporters.

“They’re very excited as well for this coming week, they’ve been huge, especially mum, she’s been supporting me as well as dad. So hopefully something can happen.”

If Teakle is picked up and earns a game, he will be the 10th AFL player to hail from Northampton, proving again the small farming community punches well above its weight when it comes to producing elite football talent.