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Indian-origin Jai Saxena drafted by Australia’s football club
The teenager earns Australian Football League chance after strong talent league season.
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Pranavi Sharma - Tue, 25, Nov 2025
- 23:19 EST
- 7
Jai Saxena. / Collingwood FC
Indian-origin forward Jai Saxena was selected by Collingwood FC in the Australian Football League’s Rookie Draft on Nov. 21, giving the 18-year-old a path to senior football when the next season begins in March.
Saxena, born in Australia to Indian parents, will wear number 43 in his debut year. Collingwood said on its website that earlier players who used the number included Ricky Barham in the 1970s and future premiership captain Nick Maxwell at the start of his career.
The club confirmed his squad number after the 2025 trade and draft period closed and said its new players had finalized their jump numbers ahead of the 2026 season. Collingwood finished fourth in 2025 and reached the preliminary final before losing to Brisbane.
We’ve got another Next Generation Academy graduate!
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) November 21, 2025
We’ve welcomed Oakleigh Chargers small forward Jai Saxena, who will become the second AFL player with two Indian-heritage parents.
More: https://t.co/PGwKSTqgDu pic.twitter.com/M1NaAKWS3k
Saxena joins the team as a pre-approved Category A rookie and becomes the second dual-Indian heritage player drafted to the AFL. He was part of the club’s Next Generation Academy and played for the Oakleigh Chargers in the Coates Talent League, where he produced a notable 2025 run.
He opened the year with nine goals across his first three games for Oakleigh, including a five-goal performance. He followed with strong outings against the Northern Knights, scoring twice with 23 disposals and nine marks, and later posted five goals from 17 touches and six marks against Sandringham.
His season earned him a place in the Vic Metro squad. He made two appearances in the U18s National Championships.
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