• 2015 NAB AFL Draft tracker: Profiles, pics and video highlights of every draftee
• Going places: Four extraordinary draft stories
• Every NAB AFL Draft pick ever
• Inside the Combine: the tests and top performers
HEART surgery didn't stop Wayne Milera from dominating the SANFL semi-final for Central District and it hasn't stopped Adelaide drafting the local product with pick No.11 at Tuesday night's NAB AFL Draft.
Milera played 11 games for Central District in the SANFL this year, including the club's two finals, where he helped the Bulldogs to a five-point semi-final win with three goals.
Adelaide started the night with a pick No.9, but with both the Sydney Swans and Greater Western Sydney matching bids for academy players, the Crows were pushed down the order two selections.
Milera was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and underwent surgery in August to correct the heartbeat issue, a week before his SANFL semi-final.
Already a Crows fan, the nephew of Swans champion Michael O'Loughlin was understandably thrilled to be able to stay in his home state.
"Considering that there's only two clubs here in SA it was a bit of slim chance but I'm glad I got through," Milera said.
"Mum and dad are Crows supporters so they're over the moon as well.
"I was shocked from that [heart scare in August], to have heart surgery and finally be on an AFL list is just unreal.
"You dream of it since you're a little kid and for your dream to come true, I'm sure I'll be pinching myself in a couple of days."
After having their bid for Giants academy forward Harrison Himmelberg matched, the Crows used pick No.17 to make the shock selection of defender Tom Doedee.
The former basketballer is a supreme competitor and will add versatility to the club's defensive stocks.
Tom Doedee in action for the Geelong Faclons. Picture: AFL Media
Adelaide also upgraded tough defender Jake Kelly, who played 10 games in 2015 as a rookie, to its senior list.
Selection No. 11 Wayne Milera
"A player who can carry the ball with some speed and had a really solid season at both under-18 and then played some senior [SANFL] footy at the end of the year … we really believe that Wayne can grow into a really good player for us not only as a forward but as a mid as well." – Adelaide coach Don Pyke
Selection No. 17 Tom Doedee
"He's a really strong competitor, great athleticism, really good attitude and character … he comes in with good awareness, game awareness … he's been playing as a third back, we think he's probably got some versatility to play elsewhere." – Don Pyke
