At next week’s AFL Draft, more childhood dreams will be realised.
But what exactly does it take to make it all the way to the elite level?
CODE Sports has been following the draft journey across three different states and three different families in 2025.
Through the eyes of three kids – Cooper Duff-Tytler, Zeke Uwland and Matt LeRay – as they chase their dream. Their story, their struggles, their ambition.
From childhood sport and teenage challenges to life-changing decisions and overwhelming emotion, Chasing The Dream brings you the real draft story for the first time.
EPISODE 1
OUT NOW– WATCH IN THE PLAYER ABOVE
Burleigh Heads to Woodend and Golden Grove, the AFL dream of three young kids started in different parts of the country. And, while they all have the same goal, the journey getting there has been very different. Find out where it all started in episode one.
EPISODE 2
RELEASE: Tuesday, November 18
Will Zeke’s draft-year heartbreak end? Is Essendon about to go after the young gun who was almost theirs to begin with? Big questions are answered in episode two – off the field, on the field and behind the scenes at the national draft combine.
EPISODE 3
RELEASE: TBC post AFL National Draft (November 19-20)
It’s going to all come down to a dramatic draft night finale. Will dreams finally come true? This will be the AFL Draft like you’ve never seen it before.
THE THREE DRAFT HOPEFULS CHASING THE DREAM
Age: 18 | State: Queensland | Club: Gold Coast Academy/Burleigh
The younger brother of current Gold Coast Suns player Bodhi, Zeke Uwland is a skilful wingman or halfback who could be the next Errol Gulden and has future club captain written all over him.
Age: 18 |State: Victoria | Club: Calder Cannons/Woodend-Hesket
The junior basketball star does things on the football field most other players his size simply can’t do. The Calder Cannons product – who looks up to Fremantle’s Luke Jackson – was named at half-forward in the under-18 All-Australian squad.
Age: 18 |State: South Australia | Club: Central District/Golden Grove
LeRay is another dual sport star, who gave up chasing a career in cricket to focus on footy. The gut-running wingman or onballer, who captained South Australia at the national under-19 cricket championships, provides repeat efforts and who AFL clubs will still think has plenty of upside to come.