Thursday night was Jack Whitlock’s time to shine as he found out his AFL club for 2025

The talented key forward-ruck was predicted to go in the middle of the first round, but was left to wait another 24 hours before having another shot at the big time.

Shepparton footballers, netballers and supporters joined Whitlock’s family and friends at the Bears’ clubrooms to support the 199.8cm talent as he eagerly waited to find out what club he could call home next year.

Whitlock’s friends — having left their school graduation ceremony early — and family clumped around the 18-year-old as he watched the second night of the draft take place.

It took a few picks, with lots of nervous exhales from Whitlock in between, but Port Adelaide soon swooped on the young gun and secured him with pick 33.

The selection was quickly labelled the “steal of the draft” by many football pundits given Whitlock’s talent and output in 2024 as a key forward — he kicked 25 goals in 12 games for the Murray Bushrangers during the Coates Talent League season.

Whitlock will join his good mate and Benalla-Wangaratta product Joe Berry at the Power in 2025.

Berry was selected by Port Adelaide with pick 15 — where Whitlock was initially expected to be taken.

Once Whitlock’s name was read out, pandemonium hit the Shepparton clubrooms with the young gun swamped by friends in the traditional draft manner.

A Power guernsey was rushed to him and interviews with Fox Footy and Channel 7 quickly followed.

Pre-season will start this week for Whitlock and his twin brother Matt who was drafted to North Melbourne with pick 27 on Wednesday.