Calder Cannons product Josh Goater is being tipped by many to go inside the top 20 at this month’s AFL Draft.
He has been used mainly as a half-back flanker who can play on the wing and also go through the middle for both the Cannons and Vic Metro.
His versatility and athleticism have attracted the interest of all 18 AFL clubs but there are a handful of sides who are keener than others.
“I’ve spoken to all 18 clubs and I’ve had about five or so double ups,” he said on SEN Breakfast.
“I feel like they’ve gone pretty well and they’re starting to want to talk to me a little bit more now after exams have finished.
“I feel like that process will go for a bit longer all the way up to the draft.”
Goater, like all other draft hopefuls, has had to settle for meeting potential suitors through a laptop in 2021.
“17 out of the 18 were on Zoom and Sydney were able to come to my house mid-year when we were out of lockdown,” he said of the interview process.
“It was a bit of a different experience. I would have definitely preferred them all to be face to face but couldn’t do anything about it and everyone was in the same situation.”
Asked to name the clubs that have shown more interest, Goater was forthcoming.
“Essendon, Hawthorn, Sydney and GWS,” he revealed.
“Sydney twice that I’ve doubled up with, so there was four actually.”
Tim Watson took in some of Goater’s highlights and sees some similarities with 2008 Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney with the way he moves around the contest.
“That’s the first time I’ve heard that one with Adam Cooney, but I’ll take it, obviously he was a really good player,” Goater replied.
To add to the Cooney synergy, Goater has worn number 17 throughout his junior days and would love to don the same digits as ther former Bulldog and Don at AFL level.
Despite being a Sunbury local, his father David was born and bred in Western Australia and played in the WAFL for East Perth, but has that connection equated to interest from West Coast and Fremantle?
“I’ve definitely spoken to them and they’ve mentioned it in the interviews,” he said further.
“Dad’s obviously from WA and I’ve got a bit of family over there. They don’t really let too much out of the bag with that sort of stuff but they have spoken to me.
“They haven’t said much about the draft, not many clubs have, but it’s something that would be a good experience.”
Goater has grown up a North Melbourne supporter and was able to play a game in the VFL for Essendon last season.
AFL Media draft guru Cal Twomey has him around pick 17 in his 2021 AFL phantom draft.
The draft takes place on November 24 and 25.