THE DRAFTING of three Port Adelaide Aboriginal AFL Academy graduates into the AFL during the draft period is exciting for students wanting to be part of the program next year.

Brandan Parfitt – a 2015 program graduate – was taken by Geelong in the second round of the draft, while Kym Lebois (Carlton) and Tyson Stengle (Richmond) were taken as rookies.

The draftees followed in the footsteps of Wayne Milera who went to the Crows last year.

“We’re really excited for Brandan, Kym and Tyson and hope they do really well at their new clubs,” says Port Adelaide’s director of Aboriginal programs Paul Vandenbergh.

“Our Academy boys were in China when Kym and Tyson were drafted and were all excited to see their teammates get picked up.

“The Academy gives plenty of opportunities, but footy is what these guys come here for, so to see these guys follow in their dreams is really special.”

Port Adelaide recently ran trials for the club’s 2017 Academy, which will commence under head coach Eugene Warrior early next year.