FOOTBALL has lost in its battle for cross-code young star Wil Parker.
The half-back was considered a potential first-round pick at this year's NAB AFL Draft but AFL.com.au has confirmed he has chosen instead to pursue a cricket career.
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Parker, who turned 18 last week, had made a shock debut for Victoria's Sheffield Shield side earlier this year and performed well as a leg-spinner.
He told AFL.com.au last week he was leaning towards a cricket career after COVID-19 ruined his hopes of seeing where he sat in the draft pool this year with the NAB League on an indefinite pause.
"Obviously I haven't been able to play footy, so I don't know where I stand in the grand scheme of things," he said.
"I think people would say it's an easier choice to choose cricket because I don't know how good I am in footy.
"There is a bit of pressure because there isn't a lot of kids who have this choice, so I feel privileged and I feel very lucky.
"I feel like I can't lose, either way I'm going to be happy, it's just which one I choose. I'm still not quite sure which it is."
But things progressed quickly in recent days for the year 12 student, who has locked in a contract with Cricket Victoria.
Parker, whose uncle is Port Adelaide recruiting manager Geoff Parker, impressed for the Eastern Ranges in the NAB League last season.
