St Kilda have revealed that they were left a little red-faced they had attempted to get in contact with one of their new signings.
It’s been a busy week for clubs around the AFL, with St Kilda picking up Tobie Travaglia and Alix Tauru on the opening night of this year’s National Draft.
St Kilda went on to pick up Patrick Said, Hugh Boxshall, Alex Dodson and James Barrat on night two of the draft.
Dodson was a hot prospect for many clubs with Richmond having been backed to make a move for the dual-sport star.
In fact, the 201cm ruck prospect has previously represented Australia at age-grade level playing basketball.
The Adelaide 36ers had also offered him a development player spot but the Saints newcomer appears to now be set to have a career in the AFL.
St Kilda have signed ruckman Alex Dodson in the national draft earlier this week, but were left a little red faced
Dodson, who stands at 201cm was one of the brightest ruck prospects in this year’s draft
St Kilda attempted to send a message to their new player, Dodson, but appeared to message the wrong person
The ruckman was snapped up as pick No 53 for the Saints but the footy club appear to have made a slight blunder when trying to get in contact with the 18-year-old.
The Saints’ social media team had got in contact with the young footy star to see if he could provide them with a video of Dodson or his family reacting to the news he had been snapped up by the Victorian club.
‘Hey Alex, welcome to the Saints from the media team here,’ the Saints had written in a text message to a number they believed to be Dodson.
‘If you have any videos from the reactions at your place tonight that we could share on our social channels please send it through!’
But it appears they sent the request to the wrong number, with a person called Garron subsequently sending back a heartwarming response.
‘You’ve got the wrong number, my name’s Garron and I’m a professor at ***** plus l’d only sign for the Pies!’, the individual replied.
‘Best to find Alex’s real number because this is a big moment for him and he deserves your credit and support. Congratulate him from me :),’ the professor added.
The Saints were left slightly embarrassed by the exchange, replying: ‘Whoops! Always welcome to jump on the Saints though…’
Dodson is an accomplished basketballer too and could have played for the Adelaide 36ers
The Saints would eventually get in touch with their new ruckman.
‘We eventually got onto Alex Dodson don’t worry,’ they added.
Dodson had put his footy career on hold for the entire 2023 season after pursuing his dream of playing basketball.
But he returned to enjoy an outstanding 2024 with Sturt, making his SANFL U18 debut in Round 6 before going on to play nine games.
His season ended with All-Australian honours after helping Sturt reach the finals.
St Kilda, meanwhile, spoke out on their new acquisitions, stating: ‘We’re pleased to have James, Hugh, Alex, Patrick and their families join us at St Kilda,’ St Kilda’s football boss David Misson said.
‘James is a powerful intercept defender whose aerial numbers were elite for Bendigo. Combined with his powerful kicking, it makes him an exciting player to watch at the Saints.
‘Hugh is an athletic and tough inside midfielder who is a very exciting prospect and will be a great addition to our midfield mix.
‘Alex is the elite ruck in this year’s draft and his ability to not only win the hitout but also follow up on the ground is a great asset for us.
‘Patrick is a hard-running, skilful half-forward who has played some time in the midfield for Calder and played well. A very exciting prospect for us who adds versatility.
‘We wish James, Hugh, Alex and Patrick all the best at St Kilda and look forward to welcoming them to the club very soon.’
