A family dog stole the show on Wednesday night, joining in the celebrations following the announcement that 18-year-old Oskar Taylor – one of the game’s brightest young talents – was drafted by the GWS Giants.
Taylor was picked by the Sydney club as the 15th draft pick, and as the decision was made official, his friends and family were elated.
Sitting inside the teenager’s family home, loved ones all corralled around Taylor and jumped on him in a wild celebration which mimicked that of a grand final victory.
Oskar’s dog then got in on the act, standing up on his paws to enjoy the spoils of the result for the talented teenager.
The black staffy has since gone viral on social media with countless AFL fans.
‘A staffy of course’, one Instagram user wrote.
The black staffy has gone viral after an incredible reaction to the news of the teenager being selected as the 15th draft pick for the Giants
Oskar Taylor (pictured) was drafted by GWS Giants from the Eastern Ranges club
‘Even the dog’s in on it’, another social media user stated.
It comes as the AFL’s No.1 draft pick Willem Duursma is already relishing the prospect of trying to supercharge a rebuild for the West Coast Eagles, alongside fellow top selection Harley Reid.
And the Gippsland Power product, 18, is brimming with confidence as he eyes a partnership with established star Reid in the west.
‘If I’m Batman,’ Duursma quipped, after being presented his first official Eagles jumper by Reid.
‘He gave me a big hug on stage, so we’re ready to get cracking, us two.’
Coming off a horror one-win season in Andrew McQualter’s first year as coach, West Coast bolstered their young talent stocks with high-end picks Duursma, Cooper Duff-Tytler and Josh Lindsay.
Bids for Gold Coast academy product Zeke Uwland and Carlton father-son prospect Harry Dean were matched by those clubs before the Eagles settled on Calder Cannons ruckman Duff-Tytler at pick four.
Duursma and 2023 No.1 pick Reid could soon be housemates when the new Eagle moves to Perth, with the latter to play an important role mentoring his new teammate.
The teenager’s family and friends reaction made the occasion even more memorable (pictured, the scenes at Oskar Taylor’s house)
Taylor (pictured right) is seen as a player with massive potential in elite AFL circles
The pair will be key figures in McQualter’s attempt to lift West Coast off the bottom of the ladder.
‘We’ll complement each other really well,’ Duursma said.
‘He gets his hands dirty under there and I’ll help him on the outside a fair bit, for the start at least.
‘The sky’s the limit, I think.’
