For 18-year-old Jai Saxena, born to Indian parents and raised in Melbourne’s east, that bridge has become a pathway. As he approaches his AFL draft year in 2026, he is on the cusp of turning a childhood dream into a professional reality. As someone of Indian heritage, Jai is acutely aware of the lack of representation in the AFL. But I trusted the process, leaned on my coaches and family, and just worked harder.”View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jai Saxena (@jai_saxena_27)That work paid off: he regained his spot the following season. Looking aheadFor Jai Saxena, the draft is both daunting and thrilling.