GEELONG'S first selection in the 2015 NAB AFL Rookie Draft was forward/midfielder Jock Cornell from New South Wales.

The 18-year-old, who was chosen with pick No.9, is a Daniher by nature but not by name as the son of Julie Cornell, who is one of seven sisters to the Daniher brothers Terry, Neale, Chris and Anthony.

His cousin, Joe Daniher, is currently listed at Essendon Football Club and has played 48 games since his debut in 2013.

Cats recruiting boss Stephen Wells said today is an exciting day for the Geelong Football Club.

"Jock is a good midfielder-forward with an outstanding footy brain," Wells said.

"He uses the ball very well and is a renowned goal kicker."

Hailing from Riverina club Mangoplah Cookardinia United Eastlakes, Cornell has played senior football with the side for the past four seasons, tallying 47 games and kicking 29 goals.

Cornell played in the last two grand finals, kicking three goals in the 2015 decider.

A member of both the GWS Giants academy and the NAB AFL academy, Cornell played in the NEAFL with the Giants reserves, playing 9 games and kicking 11 goals, including a five goal haul against Eastlake this season.

Cornell was the focus of an article by AFL NSW/ACT reporter Alex Foote in the lead-up to the draft.

"The 187cm medium forward/midfielder possesses an elite kick and reads the game extremely well, averaging thirteen possessions and two goals a game over the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships," Foote wrote.

"He backed up his consistent on-field displays with a good showing at the National Combine.

"Cornell had a very demanding 2015 season, kicking off the year with an insight into the life of a professional footballer, spending a week training with the GWS Giants.

"The Riverina local started the year strongly, picking up the UWS Giants’ first NEAFL Rising Star nomination of the season after his five-goal haul against Eastlake in round one.

"He managed seven NEAFL games with the Giants this year, played TAC cup with the NSW/ACT Rams and competed in the national championships."

Cornell also featured in an article on the North East Australian Football League website following his Rising Star nomination.

Giants Academy Manager, Jason Saddington, said the youngster has shown great character to find a new level in his performances.

"Jock has really worked hard for the past 18 months around the extra aspects of football required to become an AFL player, like fitness and strong worth ethic," Saddington said.

"He has always had the talent, but he has worked really hard to put himself out there."