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Collingwood has selected Jai Saxena as a pre-approved Category A rookie, becoming the second dual-Indian heritage player to be drafted to the AFL.
Collingwood has selected Jai Saxena as a pre-approved Category A rookie, becoming the second dual-Indian heritage player to be drafted to the AFL.
Jai (pronounced J-air) Saxena was a member of Collingwood’s Next Generation Academy and played for the Oakleigh Chargers in the Coates Talent League, where he displayed an impressive 2025 campaign.
The forward made a sharp entrance this year, kicking nine goals in the first three games for Oakleigh, which included an impressive five-goal haul.
The young talent had standout performances against the Northern Knights, booting two goals with 23 disposals and nine marks. He went on to kick five goals from 17 touches and six marks against Sandringham.
Saxena’s efforts throughout the season landed him a selection in the Vic Metro squad, where he made two appearances at the U18s National Championships.
Leading into the selection, Saxena spoke to Indian Link, sharing his drive and excitement about the possibility of seeing his AFL dream come true.
“No matter what colours I wear, I’d just be happy playing AFL. Playing at the MCG, that would be surreal,” Saxena said.
“No footballer of Indian background has played at the elite level yet and that drives me. I want to represent the community and show that it’s possible.
“You’ve got to believe in yourself, trust the process and work hard. There’s no reason you can’t achieve what you set your mind to.”
Saxena becomes only the second Indian-origin player at the elite level, after Balraj Singh, who was drafted by the Adelaide Crows in 1999.
The Next Generation Academy product will be the first player with Indian heritage on both sides of his family to play an AFL game, should he reach the highest level.
Collingwood National Recruiting Manager Shane O’Bree welcomed Saxena to the black and white family.
“We are pleased to welcome Jai to Collingwood, another incredible talent through our NGA who we eagerly look forward to developing,” O’Bree said.
“We have been watching him for several years, and he has such a great story of resilience and hard work paying off.
“Although disappointed to not get a game early in the season for Xavier College, he initiated a lot of hard work, which saw his game spike into a great year with the Oakleigh Chargers.
“He will be an exciting talent to watch in the forward line and will undoubtedly play with a lot of heart and passion on the field.”
Saxena becomes the fifth player to join the Collingwood throughout the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft following Tyan Prindable, Sam Swadling, Zac McCarthy and Angus Anderson, who all became Magpies last night.
