Delisted Bombers forward Josh Begley is hopeful of a return to the AFL level via June's Mid-Season Draft.
Begley was one of five Bombers axed in September last season and has since joined VFL outfit Frankston, where he has flourished in the opening rounds of the new-look East-coast competition.
The 22-year-old debuted for the Bombers in 2017 and went on to play 17 games for Essendon, booting 15 goals.
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Begley opened up his account with the Dolphins in Round 1 in dominant fashion, booting six goals as Franklin trounced Coburg in their season opener.
“He’s too good to playing here (in the VFL),’’ a recruiter told the Frankston Standard Leader.
Begley followed up his impressive outing with another strong performance against North Melbourne at Arden Street in Round 2.
His hot-start has gained some traction in the media, with Begley opening up on his aspirations to return to the AFL via the Mid-Season Draft,
“It’s definitely in the front of my mind,” Begley said on SEN.
“It’s another goal of mine I guess, but I just want to really enjoy my footy this year.
“When you enjoy something you’re obviously going to do it well. First thing’s first is to enjoy my footy and connect with the Frankston boys and just get the love for footy back.”
Frankston teammate and former Magpies and St Kilda player Nathan Freeman has also been a key contributor to the Dolphins' strong start, averaging 40 possessions per game so far this season.
The Dolphins will face Queensland club Aspley in Frankston in hope of extending their undefeated start to three games.
The AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft will take place on June 2.