A thrilled Andrew Brayshaw couldn’t hide his excitement after being selected by Fremantle with pick no.2 at the NAB AFL National Draft at the Sydney Showgrounds on Friday night.

Brayshaw’s impending arrival in WA will be a homecoming of sorts for the Victorian, with both of his parents hailing from WA and also having some additional WA sporting pedigree in his blood.

Grandfather, Ian Brayshaw, is a former WA Sheffield Shield captain and father Mark played 110 games for Claremont prior to playing 32 games for North Melbourne.

Additionally, Brayshaw’s brother, Hamish, will also be heading to WA, taken by West Coast with pick no.68.

“It’s an amazing feeling getting your name called out to a great club like the Freo Dockers,” Brayshaw said.

“I just can’t wait to get over there and I can’t wait to meet everyone.

“Both mum and dad’s side are from WA, I have heaps of family friends over there as well. I can’t wait to see all of their smiling faces.”

After Brayshaw fetched his phone to congratulate Hamish on being drafted, Brayshaw’s phone exploded with messages.

“I left my phone at the table, I’ve been meeting new people and doing heaps of interviews and having photos taken,” Brayshaw said.

“I grabbed my phone back to talk to my brother, who also got drafted, and it was just chockers with messages and missed calls. Everyone is really proud of me.”

Brayshaw hopes the sibling rivalry will add even more spice to Freo’s rivalry with West Coast. 

“The derbies should be pretty fun,” Brayshaw said.

“Hearing his name get called out, it’s just an amazing feeling. 

"He’s worked so hard this year and to see him finally get the reward is just unbelievable.”

On the stage after being selected, Brayshaw had a brief encounter with his future AFL senior coach, Ross Lyon.

“It was the first time I’ve met Ross, he said we’re going to have dinner tonight so, hopefully, I get to know him a bit better,” Brayshaw said.

“Some of the work he’s done has been amazing. 

"I can’t wait to be a part of it and learn from him and take as much as I can out of it in my first year.”

Brayshaw will be joined at Freo with good friend and Vic Metro teammate Adam Cerra, who was selected with pick no.5.

“Adam’s a legend, he’s great player, a great bloke,” Brayshaw said.

“I played a bit of footy with him with Vic Metro this year and against him at Wesley College. 

“He’s an amazing player and even more, a really genuine kid.

"I hope we do a bit of damage for the Freo Dockers.”