From last-minute entry to victor: AFL draft hopeful digs deep to win 30km race

After a career-best year in a new position, a mature-age draft hopeful reminded AFL clubs of his immense physical endurance and mental fortitude on Saturday, October 31.

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The 23-year-old Geelong VFL and Portland star, who is hoping to find himself on an AFL list later this month, surprised himself when he crossed the line first in a swift two hours, 37 minutes and 34 seconds.

Jamieson Ballantyne playing for Geelong's VFL side and, inset, after winning the Three Bays Running Festival 30km race. Pictures by Geelong Cats and supplied

Remarkably, he had only three to four weeks of preparation and only decided to enter the race two days before.

"I had an idea that I wanted to do it," he told The Standard.

"I just wanted to make sure that I had done enough training for it and see how I felt. I signed up on Thursday purely because I just wanted to be a part of the event down there.

"I did the half mara with my partner last year. It's such a good event with all your family and friends and a lot of effort goes into it by the community. So I just wanted to be part of it.

"I had no intention of winning it at all. I literally said to my partner, my family, that I just wanted to finish. My plan that I went there with, I well exceeded those expectations."

Ballantyne had completed a few half marathons before and about 15 to 20 trail runs.

He had only previously run 30km once; however, that didn't compare as it was much flatter than the hilly course on Saturday.

"I definitely entered the hurt locker a couple of times but dug in and got it done," he said.

It's been about six weeks now since Ballantyne's memorable football season came to a heartbreaking end.

The versatile talent was a key part of Geelong's VFL side, which won the minor premiership before suffering a 23-point loss to Box Hill in a windy grand final.

Jamieson Ballantyne breaks into space while playing for Geelong's VFL team. Picture by Geelong Cats

In his first year playing as a forward, he kicked an impressive 39 goals, including one in the decider.

"It was obviously not our day on grand final day and credit to Box Hill, they played the conditions a lot better than us," he said.

"That can happen. Those days, they're hard to win and we'll take a lot out of that day.

"It's definitely helped fuel me, especially for next year and us as a team for what next year will look like. I've been knocked down before and you get back up and you just get back on with it."

This year's AFL national draft is scheduled for November 19 and 20, with the rookie and pre-season drafts held on November 23.

Ballantyne, who played two Hampden league games for Portland in 2026, said he had spoken to a few AFL clubs and there was a "small amount of interest" but "any interest is good interest".

Jamieson Ballantyne playing for Portland in 2025. Picture by Justine McCullagh-Beasy

He'd love to be selected but if he's not, he is prepared for his next move.

"I'm really fortunate that I just finished my teaching degree and I've got that all sorted out," he said.

"I've got such a good plan B sitting there ready to jump into if I don't get drafted in a few weeks. It's a win-win situation.

"If it doesn't happen, I get to play at Geelong again and we get another crack at it and start my teaching career and still keep working towards that goal of getting on a list."

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