Bulldogs academy member El-Souki set for November AFL draft
Khaled El-Souki is set to be drafted in November after kicking 40 goals despite an ankle injury.
Khaled El-Souki is poised to join the AFL when November's Telstra AFL Draft takes place. Khaled El-Souki overcame an ankle fracture that sidelined him for most of the National Under-18 Championships.
The 18-year-old still led the Talent League with 40 goals, playing for clubs in Melbourne's western suburbs. Khaled El-Souki has been a Bulldogs academy member since age 13 and Brisbane is expected to use picks 42 and 53 to draft him.
He is the third young Muslim player from a Lebanese family and Melbourne's west set to join the AFL, following El Achkar (drafted to Essendon) and Sweid (drafted to Fremantle) last year. El-Souki represents his community with pride and credits the Bachar Houli Foundation for mentoring him through his path to the elite game.
- 18
- Age
- 40
- Goals in Talent League
- 42 and 53
- Expected Brisbane picks
- Bachar Houli
- Prior Muslim AFL players
Why it mattersEl-Souki's expected selection marks a shift in AFL representation and opens the door for more young Muslim athletes who previously saw no pathway to the game.
AustraliaThe drafting of three young Lebanese Muslim players in consecutive years signals growing diversity in the AFL and stronger pathways for Western Melbourne's communities.
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