Mature-age WAFL star Kane Johnston has spoken to five AFL clubs as interest ramps up leading into the draft later this month.
Johnston has emerged as a potential pick-up, showing his wares for Perth at both ends of the ground in Western Australia, with Carlton and Melbourne venturing over for a home visit.
The 24-year-old revealed he's spoken to Geelong, Fremantle and GWS throughout 2026, and looms as an option in the national or rookie drafts.
"I'd spoken to a few (AFL clubs) throughout the season, and my manager relays the messages a fair bit," Johnston said on SEN.
"In the interviews, we'd spoken about playing at both ends, but mainly as a forward. But they brought up that they like the versatility, which is helpful and makes it easier for me."
Johnston was invited to the Western Australia State Combine, which is largely filled with under-18 talent in their draft years.
"I was a bit of an Unc," he said.
"They did call me, and I was a bit like 's***'. I thought I was a bit old for this. But it was a good experience. It was fun doing the training and getting to meet the boys.
"I ran well. My jumping as well. The agility wasn't really my strong suit in terms of compared to the other boys.
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"It is probably my strong suit, long-distance running. I am pretty quick. I do a fair bit of running for a key forward. I do 12- 13 km a game in the WAFL. You've got to be fit.
"(My AFL chances) wouldn't have gone backwards. It would've given me a name out there a bit more. But the combine only does so much. If you can run fast but can't play footy, you won't be going very far."
Johnston made the switch from Peel Thunder to Perth ahead of the 2022 season, and after working closely with senior coach Mark Stone, the pair found a new home as a key forward inside 50.
He kicked 27 goals from senior games, but returned to defence when required, helping garner interest from AFL clubs.
"It's been a good year. I haven't played a whole lot of forward before this year," Johnston said.
"It was a nice change. We spoke about it in previous seasons, but I didn't play much last year through injury, and then coming into the end of the year, I went down back.
"Stoney (Mark Stone - senior coach) always wanted me forward, and I hit the ground running. This year there was more freedom with Deano (Charlie Dean) coming in and Schobes (Elijah Scoble) in good form; there wasn't really any need to be stuck at full back and have the ball kicked on my head."
Johnston, after he moved to Perth from country Western Australia to pursue football, said he'd be open to playing anywhere if it meant he'd back the AFL.
"Certainly. I back myself in," he said.
"I am 24, but I have had a good year. I'm fine moving interstate, live independently, and put myself in a position to play as good footy as possible. I wouldn't say I know what it takes, but I back myself to do the right thing. Give it everything."
The 24-year-old is one of the few mature-agers pushing to be recognised by AFL clubs in 2026, alongside fellow Western Australian Jake Soutar and Fothergill-Round Mitchell Medalist Brady Wright.
It is increasingly commonplace as AFL sides are taking more chances on developed players who are ready to make an immediate impact, with physical development and the drive of missing out on drafts seen as favourable.
Johnston explained why it took him six years from his draft year to make a push towards the top flight.
"I think I was not doing a lot with myself," he said.
"I was playing out in the country and working on a farm. Took it seriously enough, but not seriously enough to throw myself in the deep end, move to Perth and play WAFL. My body wasn't where it is now. Didn't have the same mindset. I probably wasn't as aggressive in game. A bit timid.
"I didn't miss out on anything. I just didn't put myself in these positions. I think with time, living in Perth, on my own, I had a couple of good coaches come through, good teammates helped with my development."
The AFL Draft takes place on November 19 and 20, with the Rookie Draft set for the 23rd.
