MELBOURNE, Australia (Diya TV) — Indian-origin teenager Jai Saxena is on the verge of making history in Australian rules football. The 18-year-old forward has been drafted by Collingwood Football Club through the AFL Rookie Draft, giving him a clear path to senior football when the 2026 season begins in March. His selection has created rising excitement among fans in both Australia and India as he moves closer to becoming the first player of full Indian heritage to play in an AFL match.

Saxena was selected on Nov. 21 after a strong year in the Coates Talent League. Collingwood confirmed that he will wear the number 43 jersey, a number once used by former premiership captain Nick Maxwell early in his career. The club finalized his squad number after the 2025 trade and draft period closed. Collingwood finished fourth in 2025 and reached the preliminary final before falling to Brisbane.

Saxena joins the team as a pre-approved Category A rookie. He becomes the second player of full Indian heritage to be drafted to the AFL, following Balraj Singh in 1999. The achievement places him at the center of Collingwood’s efforts to deepen multicultural talent pathways in Australian football.

The young forward earned his draft call after a standout season with the Oakleigh Chargers. He started the year with nine goals in his first three games, including a five-goal performance that revived his confidence after a difficult 2024. He later scored twice against the Northern Knights, recording 23 disposals and nine marks. He closed with five goals from 17 touches and six marks in a strong showing against Sandringham.

His consistency earned him a place in the Vic Metro squad. He made two appearances in the U18s National Championships, adding to his growing reputation as one of the competition’s smartest forwards.

Saxena was born in Melbourne to Indian parents. He grew up in a household that followed Indian traditions closely. His family prays every morning and night, and they often visit a temple on Wednesdays. Their meals often include dal chawal. The car stereo switches between Bollywood songs and devotional music depending on who is driving.

He grew up supporting Hawthorn and still remembers watching Cyril Rioli shine in the 2015 AFL Grand Final. Even on family trips to India, he spent hours kicking a footy in local parks. Football became central to his identity, blending with the cultural values his parents preserved at home.

Saxena’s introduction to the sport began with a simple plan. His father, who grew up watching cricket in Delhi, took him to Auskick to fill a Sunday. Coaches quickly noticed his natural ability. He moved through junior programs, eventually joining Oakleigh and Collingwood’s Next Generation Academy.

As he progressed, he noticed that a few players around him came from multicultural backgrounds. He never felt discouraged. Instead, he understood he was creating a path for others. On the field, he learned to use his football smarts against larger opponents. His ability to read the play became one of his biggest strengths.

Last year tested his confidence. He struggled, but he regained his form by focusing on enjoying the game rather than chasing draft hype. A five-goal performance in round three this year marked his turning point. Saxena understands what his rise means to the Indian and South Asian community. Many relatives who once followed cricket now keep track of Collingwood’s progress. He welcomes the support but stays focused on football.

“It’s a good feeling,” he told Collingwood FC. “I enjoy that other people get excited about it. For me, it’s all about focusing on the football.”

Despite the milestone, school remains important. After a long interview about the draft, he casually mentioned that he had a math exam the next morning. His parents continue to guide him toward balancing sport with academics to ensure a secure future.