Gold Coast SUNS list manager Scott Clayton is renowned for his ability to pan for gold. After all, he’s been in the recruiting business for longer than most, gazing far and wide across the country to acquire the best talent available.
 
At Tuesday night’s national draft, Clayton and his recruiting team sprung a surprise late by selecting mature-aged utility Mackenzie Willis from Kingborough in the Tasmanian State League.
 
Willis constructed a brilliant season in the apple isle, winning the best and fairest, TSL team of the year honours on a wing, as well as putting in a dominant performance for the Tasmanian state side against the NEAFL mid-year.
 
After being overlooked in a couple of other drafts previously, the 20-year-old finally had his dream fulfilled when Rodney Eade read his name out at selection No. 52, adding him to an overflowing handful of Tasmanian products inside Metricon Stadium.
 
Clayton revealed Gold Coast’s recruiting team had been following Willis’ progress closely over the last three seasons, waiting for him to be ready to take the next step to the elite level. That time has now come.
 
“He’s interesting. We’ve followed him for three years or so and haven’t thought he’s ready and needed to improve in things and quietly sat back,” Clayton told SUNS TV in his post-draft analysis.
 
“Three years later we think okay you’re just about ready to go.”
 
Notorious for his professionalism and appetite for work, Clayton is confident Willis will give himself the best opportunity to grasp the chance he has been given.
 
“He’s a real pro. He loves his footy, works hard, I think he’s quite versatile in where he can play, back, wing half-forward.
 
“(He’s) desperate to have an AFL career. He’s been patient, he had injuries in his draft year and so now he gets his opportunity and he can’t get here quick enough.”
 
When his name was locked in late on Tuesday night, Willis became the first player to be drafted out of the Tasmanian state league since Hobart product Aaron Hall was plucked by Clayton back in 2012.