How are you feeling?
I’m a little bit in shock at the moment, I didn’t really expect to be picked up so I don’t really know how to feel right now. I thought if something like that happened I’d be really excited and be up and celebrating but it just doesn’t really feel real yet. It’s a weird feeling I’ve never felt this before.

Did you watch the draft with your family?
I had training tonight so I stayed at the club with some of my mates and watched it with them. I’m going to head home to see my family now.

How did your friends react when your name got called out?
They went crazy! They were just so happy for me. I wasn’t saying anything because I just couldn’t believe it. They were going crazy.

What about your family?
I’m on my way to see my mum (Pauline) dad (Robert) and my three brothers (Ben, Nathan and Matthew) now. I spoke to them before on the phone, they all put me on loudspeaker and they were just ecstatic. So I can’t wait to go home and see them.

You’ve been to WA once, what did you think of it?
I think it’s great. I came over to play a footy game a few years ago so I didn’t get to see much of the city but it was lovely whilst I was there. I can’t wait to get over there. It’s a really exciting thought.

Are there any players that you’re really keen to learn from?
I watch plenty of footy and being a small forward I like to watch Michael Walters a lot. I can’t wait to go in and learn from him and Hayden Ballantyne. I really respect Nat Fyfe as well, he’s an unbelievable footballer.

You’re 21, what have you been up to since leaving school?
For the last three years I’ve been studying environmental engineering. I’ve got one year to go before I finish my degree. I also work part-time at a high school doing some sports coaching and do a little bit of social work in a mentoring program. In my own time I also try to play a little bit of basketball.

What’s your focus for when you get to the club?
I haven’t had much time to think about it, but I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a while. I’ve just turned 21, so I’ve missed a few drafts and I’m not going to take the opportunity for granted. I just want to go in there and work as hard as I can. That will be the main focus, work hard and take as much advise as I can. I want to utilise the resources in an AFL environment and be the best player I possibly can, while playing my role for the team.