Oakleigh was undermanned when it headed north to play against Queensland midway through 2015. 

The Chargers are no strangers to missing key players throughout the TAC Cup season.  A significant portion of their playing list is made up of private school players who can only play under 18 football when their school commitments allow.

But the absentees open up opportunities and for Jordan Ridley that is all he needed.

Then 16, and playing one of his first games at that level, Ridley booted six goals.

“We were effectively playing against a state side and we didn’t have our strongest side in, but he really stood up,” Oakleigh Chargers Talent Manager Craig Notman said.

“You could see there was something there and he had the ability to take his football to the next level.”

Ridley is now an Essendon player after the Club selected him with the 22^nd overall selection in last month’s National Draft.

But Ridley’s rise to an early second round pick wasn’t without its speed bumps.

As the Chargers went on their premiership winning run in 2015, Ridley was left out of the Grand Final side.

“He was disappointed but I think that’s a good sign.  There was a hunger there and he wanted to achieve as much as he could,” Notman said.

“He was very stiff to miss out but he used that as a spur to go on to bigger and better things this year.”

Throughout 2016, the 192cm Ridley spent most of his time in defence, with the occasional burst in the midfield and forward line.

“He’s quite a versatile player,” Notman said.

“It was interesting talking to all of the AFL clubs throughout the year on where they see Jordan playing his best footy and there was a lot of differing opinions.  Some saw him as a forward, some as a back and some as a midfielder.

“I think he’d be really good down back.  But he’s certainly got that ability to go forward and kick goals.  He’s got a number of strings to his bow which in today’s game is certainly an advantage.”

Ridley averaged 19 disposals throughout the 2016 season and enhanced his draft stocks by winning the kicking test at the Combine.

Notman said he has the qualities to thrive in the demanding AFL environment. 

“He’s a really well balanced person who has been able to reach a high level with his footy but also achieve terrific results at school too,” Notman said.

“He’s a terrific kid, diligent, hard worker and someone that’s really driven to succeed.”