One of Shepparton’s Jack and Matt Whitlock find out what AFL club they will call home in 2025

By Marcus Beeck

Nov 20, 2024

It was a big moment for Jack Whitlock (left) and his twin brother Matt (right) as they hoped to be picked up in the first round of the AFL National Draft on Wednesday night. Photo by Megan Fisher

It was the night that half of the Whitlock twins’ dreams came true - with the other half hopefully not far away.

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The first round of the AFL National Draft was held on Wednesday night at Marvel Stadium, with the following rounds to be held on Thursday at the same location.

Shepparton’s towering brothers Matt and Jack Whitlock were invited to attend and entered Wednesday night’s first round of the draft likely to be picked up by an AFL club.

But the big question was where will the two key position guns land?

Across most predicted rankings from draft experts, Jack (key forward-ruck) was expected in the range between pick 12 to 22, while Matt (key defender-forward) was estimated to go between roughly pick 20 to 30.

A strong contingent of friends and fellow Bears filed into the Shepparton clubrooms to show support for the beloved twins.

They were made to wait until the last selection of the round but Matt Whitlock was taken with pick 27 by North Melbourne after the Kangaroos secured a late trade with Richmond.

A loud cheer broke out as the Shepparton key defender’s name was read out, while Jack Whitlock will wait until night two before his name can be read out.

Jack will be expected to go early on Thursday night.

Earlier in the night, Benalla product and Murray Bushranger Joe Berry was selected by Port Adelaide with pick 15.

More to come.