Hawthorn Academy Prospect Keenan Boi Gains Draft Attention
Keenan Boi, a small forward associated with Hawthorn's Next Generation Academy, has gained attention in the AFL Draft following a successful pre-season. The Gippsland native, who is connected to the Academy through his mother's Indigenous heritage and father's Mauritian background, has demonstrated his skills by averaging 16 disposals and two goals in the Talent League.
His rise can be attributed to advice from Tom Matthews, a first-year player at Melbourne, who shared training tips that helped Boi improve his fitness and consistency. This year, he has increased his running distance to over 12 kilometers per game, enhancing his impact on the field. Boi's goal-scoring ability has been evident, including a standout performance in senior football where he kicked two goals.
Having trained with Hawthorn's VFL affiliate and participated in sessions with the AFL team, Boi is now considered one of the top small forwards available in the upcoming drafts. His coach, Kris Pendlebury, has praised Boi's strength and agility, noting his ability to maintain balance during play. As Boi continues to develop his skills, he has expressed excitement about the possibility of playing alongside established AFL players.
