Junior Development Trainee Luke Wilson is hoping to follow in the footsteps of first-year Crow Nick Joyce, and be drafted from within the walls of an AFL club.

Wilson, 18, joined Adelaide’s Junior Development team soon after Joyce - a trainee at West Lakes last year - moved from staffer to player, being selected by the Club with pick No.46 in last year’s AFL Draft.

A member of the South Australian Under-18 team last season, Wilson played alongside Joyce at the National Championships. He was also part of the Port Magpies Under-18s Grand Final win over Glenelg, and has spent this season playing in the reserves at Alberton.

Wilson, who was limited to one game at the National Championships because of a groin injury, was overlooked in last year’s draft but still has hopes of playing at AFL level.

“I played state footy with ‘Joycey’, so I know him and his (draft) story. Hopefully, it’s a good omen for me this year,” Wilson said.

“I’ve had a reasonably good season in the reserves, so we’ll see.”

Joining the Crows has been a big change for Magpie, who has been involved at Alberton since Under-13s. Wilson is also a cousin to Power midfielder Danyle Pearce.

He landed at West Lakes through his connection with SANFL Aboriginal Pathways to Excellence Manager, James Moore, and former Crows superstar and current SANFL Engagement and Talent Coordinator, Andrew McLeod.

“I’m related to Danyle through my dad’s side of the family. We’re really close. I actually trained with the Power before the rookie draft last year and he helped me out a fair bit,” Wilson said.

“The first time I heard any AFL clubs were looking at me was actually through Danyle because he’d been asked about me at a press conference. Unfortunately, nothing came of it in the draft but I’m still hoping something might happen this year.

“I’ve got family who question how I ended up at Adelaide, but I’m really enjoying it here.”

Wilson’s role as part of the Crows Junior Development team includes visiting schools to present the Live Right Feel Bright program, and staging clinics for school kids and local junior football clubs.