The Blues selected Jayden Foster with pick No.63 at the NAB AFL Draft, the Calder Cannon following in the footsteps of his father Peter, who played under Malthouse from 1983-89.

 

Peter Foster played predominantly as a key defender in his 170 games with Fitzroy and the Bulldogs, but 194cm Jayden kicked 49 goals in 16 matches in the TAC Cup this season.

 

The Blues were able to select him after the Bulldogs decided against nominating him as a father-son pick.

 

"It's a good story. It wouldn't happen too much in AFL footy," Blues recruiting manager Shane Rogers said of Malthouse coaching two Foster generations.

 

"Jayden has got the same mannerisms (as Peter).

 

"Peter came into Footscray at 21 as a centre-half forward, but didn't make it. Mick throws him back to centre-half back and they had a player."

 

Rogers said he entered Thursday night's draft wanting to add outside run and midfield strength to the Blues' group and was content that in mature-age recruit Blaine Boekhorst, Dillon Viojo-Rainbow and Clem Smith he had done that.

Shane Rogers says: With a bit of development Blaine should be able to play straight away. He has played state footy. I was asked whether we had taken a risk with him, but I don't think we have, this is how high we rated him in the draft. He'll bring outside speed, finishing skills and the ability to use his agility to get through traffic.

Shane Rogers says: Dillon hasn't played in the midfield a lot, but he's come in late in the year in the TAC Cup finals. He's a left-footer, a beautiful kick, has a little bit of hardness and can win his ball and distribute it really well. He has a bit to learn defensively though.

Shane Rogers says: Clem played senior football all year in the WAFL. I was really surprised he got down to that pick, we thought he'd be gone a lot earlier. He played predominantly as a defender, but we think he'll be more of a forward for us. He applies good defensive pressure, is hard and is a good user of the ball.

Shane Rogers says: Jayden is 19 and missed a lot of footy last year with a foot injury. He won the goalkicking in the TAC Cup this year and is a beautiful left-footer. At 196cm, he has really good athleticism and speed, so we think he'll be able to play as a third tall long-term.