WEST Australian AFL Draft hopeful Steely Green is happy to associate with the term ‘draft bolter’. The South Fremantle prospect was a fair way off club radars 12 months ago, struggling in the Bulldogs’ Colts program and averaging just eight touches a game. But off the back of a “massive” preseason, Green bolted into contention. Be it his name or his meteoric rise, Green was a name that had plenty of people talking.

“(I) definitely came out of nowhere,” Green said at the AFL Draft Combine. I think last year I was averaging eight touches in the Colts side. But just had a massive preseason, did what I needed to do, get where I needed to be, but I do like the bolter term. Hopefully at the end of the year I can hear my name called out.”

Green was one of a select few who was provided the opportunity to train with the Bulldogs’ League side over the Summer. Little did the midfielder know, her would not only end up running out for the senior side, but debut in Round 1 of the 2022 West Australian Football League (WAFL) season.

“I started off pretty early,” he said. I think I was one of three Colts who got invited up so I was pretty lucky and privileged to do that, but didn’t think anything of it. Played in a couple of scratch matches beforehand but didn’t really think I was really much of a didn’t think I was going to get much of a gig, but ended up rolling out debut in Round 1 which was awesome.”

Green’s form at League level earned him a call-up to the Sandgropers’ state side for the AFL Under 18 Championships. Describing the experience as a “completely different game” to playing against men in the seniors, Green enjoyed his time in the program.

“I think with me just coming in freshly my first year on the state level, it was a bit different for myself,” Green said. It was good, the boys ended up getting around each other and I think we really built towards the four games and showed what we were really about in the last game against South Australia.”

Green averaged 14.3 disposals, 4.3 marks, 2.5 tackles, 2.5 clearances and 2.8 inside 50s, playing between midfield and forward. Having started as a midfielder at Colts level and progressing through to add the forward string to his bow at League level, Green said he was always keen to learn new positions and roles, and help the team in whatever way her could.

“I think this has been my only third season of footy ever so I’m still really learning the game,” he said. I think my scale of going up is going to be different to most, because people now might be at their peak where I’m still learning. I’m excited to hopefully get on a list and really experiment other positions. I think I could be a good half-back or something like that, but midfield definitely I will stick with.”

In Round 1 of 2022, Green racked up 25 disposals, five tackles and seven inside 50s in a win against Subiaco, and was named best on ground in a match featuring a host of past AFL players. Green nominated his debut as the game that stood out for him, though he is his own harshest critic describing the year as “not overly great” but hoping it would be enough to prove his wares to clubs.

Green’s strengths are both on and off-field, with the South Fremantle naming his leadership as something he prides himself on, while also being a “grunt” at the coalface.

“I think my determination and drive is endless, but footy wise I think I’m just a grunt, I base myself a bit around Liam Baker, a tough in and under player,” Green said. Hopefully clubs can really identify me as a key player in the team.”

As for his improvements, Green said he had been working with ex-Fremantle player Nic Suban a fair bit to help aid the areas of his game, such as strength and skills, to take him to the next level.

“I’m definitely planning on hitting the gym, getting a bit heavier, a bit stronger, but footy aspect probably just tidy up the skills a bit more, but running patterns and learning the game a bit more thoroughly would be nice,” he said.

Though from Western Australia, Green supports Hawthorn which he inherited from his aunty. However he said he would “wear any team colour” if it meant he could play at the elite level. It is now just a few weeks until the Bulldogs youngster finds out if his dream can become a reality.