Cooper Simpson is dealing with the emotion of realising his AFL dream tonight, as he embarks on a move west to join Fremantle after the Club traded up the draft order to secure him.

Fremantle selected Simpson after a live pick swap with Richmond that saw Freo elevate to pick 35 to draft the versatile talent.

With a small feeling that he could slide to Freo, Simpson is now soaking up the emotion with his family and friends.

“It’s definitely the best day of my life for sure, hands down, full stop,” Simpson told 6PR.

“When my name was read out, I couldn’t stop smiling. I didn’t know whether to cry or anything – so (I am) super grateful, super excited.

“I’m over the moon…I’m (feeling) everything.

“I had a little inkling if I slid to Fremantle’s pick, I could go there but anything was possible tonight.

“I can’t wait to get over there and meet everyone and be part of the Fremantle family.”

With an ability to impact as an inside mid, on the wing and on a half-forward flank, Simpson’s versatility stood out to Freo’s Head of Player Personnel David Walls.

“We wanted to target talent in the front half so Cooper fits that bill,” Walls said.

“We went up for him and spent a future 3 (third round pick) to make sure we could get him in a trade with Richmond.

“He’s an exciting player. Can go through the midfield but also a very good forward who kicks with both feet.

“He’s got really quick feet and comes out of the stoppage really well. He’s very creative so we’re really looking forward to getting him over.”

Simpson said the depth of Fremantle’s current midfield would be hard to crack, but he’s eager to impress as much as he can.

“It’s a bloody good midfield over at Fremantle,” Simpson said.

“When I get to the Club I’m going to work as hard as I can to prove to the coach I’m worthy of playing in that team, and wherever that spot will be, will be.

“I’m just looking forward to it all.”

Hailing from the Dandenong Stingrays, the 181cm mid/forward will join former Stingray Hayden Young at Fremantle.

“It’s an amazing program down there at Dandenong and they breed the kids as great footballers and better people,” Simpson said.

“(It’ll be great to) join Hayden Young over there. It’s amazing to have another Dandenong Stingray playing AFL football, so I can’t wait to get over there, meet him and meet everyone else.”