By Dongyun Kwon
Healesville Junior Football Club product Cody Anderson was selected by Hawthorn Hawks with pick 64 in the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft on Thursday 21 November.
The former Blood, now dubbed the ‘Beast from the East’, grew up as a footballer step by step from the local stage, Coates Talent League to VFL and is now looking forward to making a debut in the AFL.
The 18-year-old footballer couldn’t hide his excitement after getting drafted by his dream club.
“Leading up to the draft, I was so nervous,” Anderson said.
“I can’t really explain the feeling of relief when my name was read out, probably the best moment of my life.
“I’ve always had a soft spot for Hawthorn, growing up with a lot of my friends who follow them, and obviously it’s the closest club to Healesville, so I’m beyond grateful for Hawthorn giving me this opportunity and can’t wait for it all to begin.”
At 183 centimetre tall, Anderson plays midfielder and forward.
“A strong inside midfielder and pressure forward, Anderson has seen his draft stocks rise following his solid form for the Eastern Ranges in the Coates Talent League this year,” Hawthorn Football Club’s online statement reads.
“Dubbed the ‘Beast from the East’, the 18-year-old is one to watch in the 2025 AFL season, due to his competitiveness, strength around the contest and high defensive work rate.”
Anderson’s football journey started when he was six, joining Healesville Junior Football Club.
Nine years later, he made his senior debut for Healesville, and the following year he played five games for the Eastern Ranges competing with other promising players in the Coates Talent League.
“I started the Ranges when I was 16 and that’s when footy really got serious for me,” Anderson said.
“The Coates League was definitely a step up for me. It was so much faster and a lot more professional than what I was used to.
“It took me a bit to get used to that level.”
This year, Anderson racked up averages of 22.5 disposals, 5.7 tackles, 5.5 inside 50s and 2.6 marks across his 11 games for the Ranges, which earned him selection for Victoria Metro.
As a member of the Hawks’ Next Generation Academy, Anderson trained with Hawthorn’s senior side and featured in one game for Box Hill.
The 18-year-old footballer said training with the Hawks for a week made him realise how badly he wanted to be a professional footballer.
“Playing the Box Hill game was an awesome experience,” he said.
“The standard was the best I have played.
“Playing with seniors was not a real issue for me because I played seniors for my beloved Healesville for a couple of years.”
Training alongside one of his role models, Jai Newcombe, Anderson is aiming to play at least one game next season.
The Healesville footballer said he wishes to come back to his local footy club after his successful career in the AFL.
“I like the way Jai Newcombe plays with his tough, fast brand of footy,” he said.
“My goal this year is to work hard to get a game next year, and my ultimate goal is to win an AFL premiership and have a long career.
“I plan on finishing up my football at Healesville one day in the future. I truly believe nothing beats playing footy in your hometown.”
