St Kilda is another step closer towards completing its list for the upcoming season, bringing in emerging talents Angus Hastie, Hugo Garcia and Arie Schoenmaker at picks No. 33, 50 and 62 respectively on the second night of the 2023 AFL Draft.
Coming in at 190cm, the dashing and ambitious defender Hastie has thrived for the Geelong Falcons since making the decision to focus full-time on his football as opposed to a promising cricket career.
The rebounding backman ranked first amongst all general defenders for intercept possessions in the Coates League this season, with his willingness to take the game on earning plenty of commendation in the lead-up to this year’s AFL Draft.
A well-balanced midfielder/forward who can impact offensively and defensively, the pacy Garcia had an impressive start to the Coates League with eight goals in the first five rounds, before finding more of the football further afield.
St Kilda traded up the order with GWS in order to secure Garcia, handing over a future third-round selection for pick No. 50 which brought in the Calder Cannons product.
Meanwhile, Schoenmaker boasts one of the longest and most powerful kicks of this year’s draft class, which has been an asset to Tasmania and the Allies coming out of defence.
A key position defender, Schoenmaker was predicted to go higher in the draft before the Saints swooped in with pick No. 62.
“We’re thrilled to have Angus, Hugo and Arie join the Saints,” List Manager Stephen Silvagni said.
“Despite excelling at cricket, he has flourished during his time playing at Geelong Falcons to offer great versatility and agility in the defensive end.
“Hugo is a versatile young talent whose biggest impact comes playing as a high half-forward and midfielder.
“He has a strong blend between offence and defence without sacrificing his ability to win the ball, and we’re eager to see him flourish at the Saints.
"Arie is a capable and impressive young defender who has a penetrating left boot and is a good decision-maker with ball in hand.
"He has a lot of room to develop, learn and grow and we hope to see him continue to further his capabilities while at RSEA Park.
“We are excited at having Angus, Hugo and Arie in red, white and black and wish them all the best as they begin their AFL careers.”
Hastie, Garcia and Schoenmaker follow last night’s first-round selections Darcy Wilson (pick No. 18) and Lance Collard (pick No. 28).
