Geelong Falcons forward Patrick McCartin's not letting diabetes get in the way of his AFL dream Vic Country coach Mark Ellis in action. Picture: Peter Ristevski Source: Geelong Advertiser WHEN Patrick McCartin rushes to the bench, it's not always just for a breather. Once a quarter he checks his blood and sometimes administers an injection. But the Geelong Falcons key forward won't let diabetes, a condition he has managed since he was eight years old, hinder his AFL draft dream. Between his frequent visits to the interchange yesterday, the strong-marking spearhead left a major impression on recruiters, bagging five goals from 11 marks in Vic Country's thrilling three-point loss to South Australia in the national under-18 championships at Simonds Stadium. The 192cm goalkicker also delivered a crunching bump that broke the collarbone of top-five WA draft prospect Dom Sheed. Sheed, a slick midfielder, faces a six-week break after his best on ground 29-possession and four-goal performance. McCartin, who must wait until next year to be eligible for the draft, has an exemption to use insulin, which is otherwise banned. McCartin said regularly checking his blood sugar levels had become manageable part of his football life. "I'm having five or six injections a day and I make sure I come off the ground as much as I need to so I don't have any doubts," he said. I don't think (it's a hindrance), not at all. The way I come off and check all the time is something I've got used to. Coach Mark Ellis said McCartin's body use was a highlight and his professionalism handling his condition would impress AFL recruiters. "It's something you have got to take your hat off to him for, his preparation, because he is very diligent in what he does," Ellis said. In the second game, South Australia defeated Vic Metro by three points. Classy Metro midfield pair Josh Kelly (28 possessions) and Jack Billings (20) enhanced their top-10 draft pick chances.