St Kilda has strengthened its pool of young talent on the second night of the 2022 NAB AFL Draft, securing the services of James Van Es, Olli Hotton and Isaac Keeler.
Key defender Van Es was the first to join following last night’s selection of Mattaes Phillipou at pick No. 31, with his athleticism and competitiveness earmarked as his most impressive traits.
Van Es was a reliable force for Greater Western Victoria throughout this year’s NAB League as both a key position and intercepting defender, earning Vic Country honours off the back of his consistent year.
Hotton comes straight from the Saints’ backyard at pick No. 35, with the Sandringham Dragons recruit putting himself on the radar after the first few rounds of the season.
🗣 “I’ll see you at Moorabbin.”
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) November 29, 2022
Family-friends Rowan Marshall and James Van Es are set to team up in red, white and black! pic.twitter.com/khKjQKqHmh
The 17-year-old steadily improved as the year wore on, with his pace and clean skills only enhancing his credentials as a dual-position player.
Hotton is the son of former Collingwood and Carlton player Trent Hotton, who played 78 senior games between the two clubs.
Meanwhile, Keeler (pick No. 44) also comes to St Kilda with a terrific amount of upside.
A proud Kokatha/Mirning/Wirangu man, the South Australian has assured skills for a player of his build and has the ability to impact games both in the ruck and up forward.
Keeler currently stands as the sixth Indigenous men’s player on St Kilda’s list for Season 2023, joining Bradley Hill, Marcus Windhager, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Jade Gresham and Jack Peris.
Keeler, a member of Adelaide’s Next Generation Academy, was able to join the Saints after the Crows didn’t nominate the ruckman under NGA draft rules.
“We’re thrilled to welcome James, Olli and Isaac to St Kilda,” Head of List Management Jams Gallagher said.
“James is a big and powerful key defender who will complement our backline stocks. He’s a great athlete and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do.
“Olli is a strong and influential midfielder/forward complete with a great burst of power. He’s talent in front of goal and is a great addition to our list.
“Isaac is a talented key forward/ruck who will be a terrific asset going forward. He has promising skills for a player of his size and is able to impact games to great effect.
“Alongside our first-round selection Mattaes Phillipou, we are incredibly pleased with our selections and look forward to having all four young men join us in the coming days.”
St Kilda has two places remaining on its list heading into Season 2023.
