Draft Day Down Under: A Recap of MLP Australia's Season 2 Draft

MLP Australia Draft Day

If you just can’t get enough MLP, let’s venture down under and discover more about MLP Australia.

In January, MLP announced a partnership with Pacific Pickleball League (PPL) to compete in events under the MLP banner, with prize money totaling $700k across 6 events. Season 1’s events wrapped up May 19th in Brisbane and Season 2 kicks off August 30th on the Gold Coast.

During MLP Australia’s snake draft on July 4th, only 1 international player was allowed to be selected per team. Notable US players include:

• Kyle Yates, #6 overall pick by the Brisbane Breakers

• Shelby Bates, 21st pick by Western Vipers

• Wesley Gabrielson, true OG, was selected second-round for the Melbourne Mavericks

• Michelle Esquivel, selected 24th by the New Zealand Hustle

• Liz Truluck, selected 33rd by Australia’s Fast Fours

Asia-based Phúc Huynh, who plays frequently on the US PPA tour, was selected in the first round for the Asia Aces.

Rob Cassidy and Johnny Goldberg, who ranked #2 and #4 respectively by doubles DUPR in the eligible draft list, were remarkably snubbed.  Does this signal a decline in these players’ prospects, or is it simply due to draft restrictions?

Either way, we’ll be watching for rising stars in this league’s second season. For a schedule of events, click here.

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