Collingwood Next Generation Academy forward Jai Saxena remains a chance of being selected late in the National Draft on Thursday or at the Rookie Draft on Friday.
Saxena, whose Christian name is pronounced 'Jeh', was a sharp riser early in 2025, kicking nine goals in the first three games of Coates League for Oakleigh, which included an impressive five-goal haul.
It was enough to secure selection in Vic Metro's squad and he played two games at the U18s National Championships, with his increased running capacity particularly noteworthy this season.
Saxena, who also entertained as a small forward for Xavier College, did not get a state combine invite but could get his chance at the Pies.
The 179cm prospect has Next Generation Academy status courtesy of his parents' Indian heritage and would be the first player with Indian heritage on both sides of his family to play an AFL game, should he reach the highest level.
“It was enormous growth,” 2025 Oakleigh Chargers coach Ash Close said of Saxena.
“Because the first time I saw him was in a trial as a bottom-ager.
“He was strapped to the goal square and we all knew he kicked goals, but it was sort of a five possession, three goal kind of guy, and that doesn't stack up.
“Then he's completely evolved into a player who gets up the ground and provides defensive 50 exits, works really hard to get back and added pressure into his game.
“He's always looking to get better.
“I think about the first contest of the game against Sandy in the last game of the year, he just put his head over the ball and was really sore after that.
“He's not known for it but there's a level of toughness to him as well – he hurt his AC joint but played out the game.
“He just kept growing and growing and he's had a terrific year.”
The AFL Draft will commence on Wednesday night, only including the first round of the draft, before Thursday night sees through to the end of the National Draft. The pre-season and rookie drafts will be held on Friday afternoon.
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