St Kilda has finalised its 2022 draft haul, adding Next Generation Academy member Angus McLennan to its list as a Category B Rookie.
The 19-year-old defender has battled through injury over the past 18 months, including a serious shoulder setback in his draft year, but has since turned the corner to feature for both Sandringham Dragons and Sandringham Zebras in the NAB League and VFL respectively.
His strong close to the NAB League season culminated in both Premiership honours and the Dragons' Best Finals Player.
McLennan is the fifth player from St Kilda’s Next Generation Academy to be drafted to the club, and the seventh competition-wide following Bigoa Nyuon (Richmond, 2019) and pick No. 7 from this year’s National Draft, Cameron Mackenzie (Hawthorn).
"We're pleased to have Angus join us as a Category B Rookie," Head of List Management James Gallagher said.
"Angus is a versatile defender who has shown an ability to play on and defend against a variety of opponents, complete with courage overhead and good composure.
"As a member of our Next Generation Academy, we've known Angus for some time now and we look forward to seeing him make the most of his opportunity at St Kilda."
Prior to today’s selection, McLennan was also one of 17 players named in St Kilda’s list of COVID-19 top-up players for Season 2022.
McLennan will join fellow draftees Mattaes Phillipou (pick No. 10), James Van Es (31), Olli Hotton (35) and Isaac Keeler (47) at RSEA Park in the coming days.
St Kilda passed on its rookie selections (pick No. 9 and pick No. 24) at this afternoon's NAB Rookie Draft.