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Arryn Siposs turned his disappointment in being axed by St Kilda into motivation to play in the NFL.
Former St Kilda Saints forward Arryn Siposs desperately wanted to remain in the AFL, but three shoulder reconstructions led him to the US on a quest to play in the NFL.
Siposs could now be hours away from achieving his dream.
The three-day NFL Draft begins on Thursday (Friday AEST) and the Detroit Lions, New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons are among the teams showing interest in the 27-year-old punter from Melbourne.
St Kilda delisted Siposs in 2015 after playing 28 games and kicking 22 goals over five seasons.
He turned the disappointment into a challenge, joined the Prokick Australia punting academy and scored a scholarship with US football powerhouse Auburn University.
"I thought, 'I think I have a decent leg. Why not go and try that?'," Siposs told AAP.
"I wasn't over football by any means. I wanted to test myself in another game."
Siposs is Australia's great hope at this week's draft, but what happens over the three days could define the futures of three other Aussies.
Jordan Mailata has been with the Philadelphia Eagles for two seasons, but injuries and the team's reluctance to play him because of his lack of experience has meant he is yet to take part in a regular season NFL game.
If the Eagles stock up on offensive tackles during the draft it will indicate they are still not sure if the 203cm tall, 158kg former South Sydney Rabbitohs junior is ready for the NFL.
Teams that do not fill their need for a defensive end in the draft may look to sign another Australian giant, Adam Gotsis.
The 193cm tall, 130kg Victorian spent the past four years at the Denver Broncos but fell out of favour with coaching staff last season.
He was moved to a reserve role, underwent knee surgery in December, the Broncos declined sign the Australian and he is now a free agent.
If Siposs lands on the Jets it will be at the expense of another Australian punter, Lachlan Edwards.
The Jets let Edwards walk after four years with the team.
NFL analysts expect the team will select the top-rated punter in the draft, American Braden Mann.
If another team grabs Mann early Siposs may be the Jets' next option.
Edwards will likely not be unemployed for long.
He averaged 45.9 yards per punt over his four seasons and teams often add punters to their off-season rosters to set up competitions before cutting the 90-man squads to 53.
