+34
‘How I’ve got to think’: Draft star’s telling call on Dogs reality as Butters domino hovers
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 01: Khaled El Souki competes in the 2km Time Trial during the AFL National Draft Combine Testing at George Knott Reserve on October 01, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia.
Khaled El Souki is excited about the prospect of playing for any AFL club, declaring he views himself as an “open-pool player”. It comes as the Western Bulldogs face a draft-night challenge in matching a rival bid for their Next Generation Academy star, following Zak Butters’ verbal commitment to the club. WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit.
For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. El Souki, who has been part of the Dogs’ NGA program for several years, is “so grateful” for the club’s ongoing investment in him from a young age. That has included some exposure to the AFL program and VFL side, while the 18-year-old also spent time at Whitten Oval rehabbing his broken ankle.
“It’s been so special. They’ve taken me under their wing since I was probably 13 or 14 years old. They’ve helped me develop a lot; they’ve helped me develop fast,” El Souki told Foxfooty.com.au at the AFL Draft Combine. But the Bulldogs are no longer considered a guarantee to land El Souki in late November, given their expensive pursuit of superstar Butters could see them part with valuable draft capital.
And they haven’t yet given him an indication of their commitment to drafting him. The electric Western Jets product understands that unpredictability, though, and is happy to pull on any AFL guernsey, so long as his lifelong dream is realised.
“I’m pretty prepared. I kind of see myself as an open-pool player now. That’s how I’ve got to think of it,” El Souki said.
“And wherever I go, I’ll be happy and keen to get to work … It’s been a dream to play AFL since I was eight or nine years old, so as long as I get on a list, I’ll be really happy. ” A top-25 prospect who has forced his way into first-round contention, the crafty and powerful small forward has given rivals plenty to think about ahead of next month’s intake.
As of Thursday, El Souki had met with roughly two-thirds of the competition as clubs gauge their interest in the left-footed Newport junior. Khaled El Souki competes in the 2km Time Trial during the AFL National Draft Combine Testing at George Knott Reserve on October 01, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. El Souki and his father are hardcore Collingwood supporters, though the young gun says his family will happily switch allegiances to wherever he lands.
But as of Thursday, El Souki hadn’t yet met with the Magpies, with the livewire forward adding with a cheeky grin: “Dad’s not happy with that one. ” A highlight of El Souki’s draft year was representing Vic Metro in the Championships, as well as running out for the Dogs’ VFL side in Round 20. And it was that state-league performance — where he kicked 3.0 from 14 disposals, three tackles and two clearances — that turned clubs’ heads.
“It was such a big step up to play against bigger bodies; AFL-listed men,” El Souki said of the experience. “I think I adjusted pretty well, and I think I rose to the level. It was such a good experience just to be out there.
” Meet the AFL Draft’s ‘generational’ dual-sport talent... who could snub it entirely over ‘scary’ crossroads Khaled El Souki of Victoria Metro in action during the 2026 Marsh AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between Victoria Country and Victoria Metro at Mars Stadium on July 19th, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. While poised and explosive inside 50, El Souki doesn’t rest without the footy either, hounding the opposition in his forward half to try and force turnovers.
El Souki models his game on players like Kozzie Pickett, Izak Rankine and Zac Bailey, and describes himself as a player as “pretty powerful” with a “pretty good kick”. Certain to start out as a crumbing forward at AFL level, El Souki hopes to eventually build up the fitness required to be able to pinch-hit in the midfield as a dual-threat.
“Yeah, hopefully , that’s how I see myself. Whatever happens in the future, if I’m a better forward, I’ll probably stay forward,” he said. Central to that goal is improving his fitness, which El Souki doesn’t shy away from. Khaled El Souki of the Jets completes the 20m sprint test during the Talent League Boys 2026 Testing Day at La Trobe University Sports Stadium on March 7th, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia.
The youngster was buoyed by his unofficial 6:55 time in Thursday’s 2km time trial, but knows it’s a key improvement area.
“I think that is the base. And now I just need to get better, and I’ll make sure I get better over the summer,” El Souki said.
“It’s not a PB, but it’s pretty good compared to my other times. I just need to show that I’ve been working hard, and show that I will work hard. ” A man of few words, the humble El Souki is hungry to achieve his childhood dream of playing in the AFL, and to make his family and his community proud.
“I first started with my cousin playing Auskick down at Spotswood, and I’ve loved it ever since,” he said. “It’s been a dream to get drafted since then, and now getting pretty close to my dream, I’m just keen. ” The forward was named in the Bachar Houli Foundation’s inaugural team that played two Talent League games this season. And El Souki has a close relationship with triple Richmond premiership player Bachar Houli, who heads up the organisation.
“‘Bach’ has been pretty big in my life so far. He’s done so much for me and the Muslim community,” he said.
“I’m pretty close personally with ‘Bach’. He checks up on me pretty often, makes sure I’m doing the right things, makes sure I’m going well. ” El Souki has done all the right things this year, and is set to be rewarded with having his dream realised in late November.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Made it really clear’: Cats speak on failed Butters bid ahead of eventful trade period‘Made it really clear’: Cats hit back over Butters miss as boss opens up on next trade targets
Read more »
Gold Coast Cats boss Andrew Mackie clears air on Zak Butters pursuit failureGold Coast Cats head of football Andrew Mackie addressed the failed pursuit of Zak Butters, stating that while Geelong was reluctant to trade, the Cats were prepared to meet Port Adelaide demands within reason. Mackie expressed optimism about the clubs future cap space and linked them to potential targets Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Matt Rowell.
Read more »
Essendon Plans Top Bid for Port Prospect Dougie Cochrane Amid AFL Rule DisputesEssendon intends to use their number one pick to bid on Port Adelaide academy star Dougie Cochrane. Port list boss Jason Cripps expressed frustration over complex AFL draft rules that complicate the trade process involving players like Sam Marshall and Zak Butters. Cripps noted that the club is facing unprecedented challenges due to the league's discretionary changes to regulations.
Read more »
AFL free agency is here, but the biggest deal has gone backwards. Butters is left with these optionsAFL free agency is here, but the biggest deal has gone backwards. Butters is left with these options
Read more »