HE CAPTAINED the under-19 Australian cricket team, bats left-handed in the top order and makes plenty of runs.

 

But after playing a season of local level football, Gisborne's Pat McKenna has nominated for the NAB AFL Draft and is on the radar of a handful of clubs.

 

Only in September did the 18-year-old lead his country on a cricket tour to Sri Lanka, but it was there that McKenna decided he wanted to pursue a football career.

 

That was after an impressive season for Gisborne in the Bendigo Football League, where he kicked 45 goals for the senior side in 18 games.

 

McKenna isn't especially quick, but at 186cm and 76kg has played a number of different roles through the season, where his game sense, overhead marking and foot skills impressed.

 

Greater Western Sydney, Hawthorn, Collingwood and Fremantle are believed to be among the clubs who have enquired about McKenna, potentially as a late pick at next week's draft or at next month's rookie draft.

 

If he isn't picked by a club he will play in the TAC Cup next year with the Calder Cannons as a 19-year-old, where he has already started training as part of its pre-season program.

 

Having recently finished his year 12 studies at Salesian College, McKenna is now concentrating on his fitness and footy with the Cannons.

 

"His ability to mark the ball and kick goals is really strong," said Ian Kyte, the Cannons' talent manager.

 

"His conditioning is in a pretty good position. He did pre-season with us last year before pulling the pin for cricket, but he's certainly presented really well."

 

Recruits from local level are rare from Victoria if the players have not featured in the TAC Cup competition. 

Last year Melbourne picked Jayden Hunt with selection No.57, having watched him play school football for Brighton Grammar.