From www.localfooty.com.au
Reported by Simon McEvoy and Paul Amy
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IN football terms, the Frankston Dolphins are a small fish in a big pond.
But the VFL club continues to churn out AFL players, with Kyle Martin and Leigh Osborne the latest Dollies to find their way on to league lists.
Martin, 22, who won Frankston's best and fairest this year, was snapped up by Collingwood in today's rookie draft.
And Osborne, also 22, was taken by the Gold Coast Suns.
Their rise to the big league continues Frankston's reputation as a football factory.
In the past three years, a pod of Dolphins has been snapped up by AFL clubs Michael Hibberd (Essendon), Mark Baguley (Essendon), Dylan Van Unen (Essendon), and now Martin and Osborne.
"It probably shows that we're the club of choice," Frankston coach Simon Goosey said.
"There are a lot of kids who want to come down and hopefully they can see an opportunity."
Martin joined Frankston from Noble Park this year, gaining selection in the VFL team of the year and representing Victoria against Tasmania.
A plumber, he snuck off from work to watch the rookie draft on his mobile phone and said he was stunned to see his name pop up on the AFL website.
"It's always been a goal, to get drafted, and it's a big thrill that it's happened," he said.
"It's a shock, but a good one at that.
"I was always hoping for it but in the back of my mind I was sceptical about getting a crack at it. The hard work starts now."
Collingwood interviewed Martin weeks ago but he said there were no promises and he was unsure of his chances of being selected.
Goosey predicted both Martin and Osborne would make their mark in the AFL.
"I reckon they'll both be able to have an impact on the competition, for sure," he said. "I've got no doubt. 'Marto' has got a bit of class about him and Ossie has the pace."
Collingwood has one position on its list to upgrade a rookie and Goosey believes Martin would be the perfect choice.
He called Osborne's journey to the AFL the stuff of dreams. The left-footer joined the Dolphins from East Ringwood 12 months ago, turning up to pre-season training uninvited.
"He's a great story. He's a kid who walked in off the street and gave it a real crack," Goosey said.
Frankston could actually claim to have had another player drafted on Tuesday.
Tim McGenniss, picked up by North Melbourne, had signed to play with the Dolphins and had been training with them.
The Langwarrin junior won the Dandenong Stingrays best and fairest this year.
"He was signed, sealed and delivered and hasn't missed a beat on the training track," Goosey said.
"I'm rapt for the kid. North Melbourne spoke to me on Sunday about him, asking how he's been going and all that.
"He's a good kid. He's worked so hard, it's a credit to him."
Four other VFL players were taken in the rookie draft, with Port Melbourne onballer Sam Dwyer and Williamstown defender Jack Frost also going to Collingwood, Werribee full-back Kyle Hartigan selected by Adelaide and 29-year-old Williamstown left-footer Brett Goodes, the brother of champion Swan Adam, chosen by the Western Bulldogs.
