Angus Hastie’s prospective sporting career could have taken him to any corner of the world, however it’s just on the other side of the bay where he will be making his mark.
St Kilda is where the Geelong local will be embarking on the first stages of his AFL career, with the dashing defender armed with a wealth of athleticism and pace joining the club at pick No. 33 via last night’s AFL Draft.
The Grovedale junior footballer had promising trajectories calling through cricket and basketball via state pathways, however made the call last season to really zero in on footy - first at Geelong West, then GWS’ Under-18s side and then the Geelong Falcons - to add a prospective AFL career to the mix.
It’s a decision that as of last night has paid off in spades.
“It was something that I really enjoyed. I think all three sports that I played were a main priority for me, there wasn’t really one that was higher than the other,” Hastie told SEN this morning.
“In cricket, there were some state pathways through there and I was enjoying my time playing at Geelong Cricket Club. It was definitely a lot of fun and I still enjoy it to this day, but I’m glad I chose to focus on footy this year because of how it’s all panned out. I couldn’t be happier.
“Geelong is a great place to get around any sport. They get around you and it’s a really good community environment to get stuck in if you are willing to put int the work to try and go to the next level, whether that’s AFL, playing cricket for Australia or basketball over in America, you’re going to have people around you to support you.”
While his family are fervent Cats fans - the switchover to St Kilda easier for some of his family as opposed to others, Hastie says - it’s in the red, white and black where he’ll be looking a name for himself over the coming seasons.
His highlights reel is one full of flair and dare; his spring off the half-back line, run and carry out of defence and tackling the game head-on making for a vibrant package that had recruiters across the country salivating.
It’s not the only string in his bow, with the 190cm defender able to play on both tall and small opponents, most notably with shutdown roles on top-10 pick Nate Caddy and pocket rocket Lachie Charleson during this year’s National Championships.
With the versatility, aggressive style of defence and willingness to “play on the front foot” in mind, Hastie says it’s one of the Saints’ own defenders in Liam Stocker who he is eager to meet.
“To be honest, Liam Stocker is a big one for me. I’ve followed his journey a fair bit from Carlton over to St Kilda and I actually am quite excited to see him.
“I’m probably anxious to meet all of them, but Jack Steele being a big name and all the accomplishments and accolades he has, that’ll be a bit nerve-wracking shaking his hand for the first time.”
Hastie will meet a fair share of his teammates when St Kilda’s one-to-four-year players commence pre-season on Monday, however won’t come into the club a total stranger having played alongside first-round draftee Darcy Wilson for Vic Country earlier this year.
“It’s all very exciting, I haven’t been able to wipe the smile off my face,” Hastie said.
“(Last night) was unreal. It’s starting to sink in a little bit now, but your mind just keeps racing, you’ve got a million thoughts and it was good to celebrate with all the family and have everyone over. It was unreal, what a night.”
