WA Kolt Hero Destined for AFL Draft SelectionTuesday, October 3, 2023 - 3:18 PM

The football journey for Subiaco’s Koltyn Tholstrup has just begun, but it’s already covered thousands of kilometres.

Hailing from Esperance in the south of WA, Tholstrup fondly recalls playing for the Newtown Condingup Under 12s.

Then, as his potential became obvious, he made countless trips to Perth to play Futures, Colts and League football.

“My preparations have changed a bit now that I don’t have to travel up to Perth from the country anymore so it’s good from a sleeping point of view and not being so fatigued after a long drive,” Tholstrup said.

Having found his football home at Subiaco, Tholstrup’s progression to the League side was a smooth transition.

“I think I’ve gained a lot of professionalism at the Lions,” he said.

“My playing style after moving up to the seniors has changed, playing that high half forward role.”

Tholstrup made 10 appearances for Subiaco at League level in 2023, kicking seven goals and being part of the club’s finals campaign.

The talented teenager was also part of WA’s campaign at this year’s NAB AFL National Championships – U18 Boys, giving him ample grounding for the upcoming NAB AFL National Draft.

“Going into the draft there are a lot of unknowns, and while the journey is the fun part it can also be scary and daunting,” he said.

“But I just try to bring myself back down to earth and enjoy everything that’s happening around me to take my mind off the unknowns.

“I think I’ve adapted pretty well going from Colts to the senior program at the Lions, and so I think I’m as ready as I can be to get on a list.”

Tholstrup is one of 12 WA-based players heading to Melbourne for this weekend's NAB AFL Draft Combine.