Connor Menadue was handed an AFL lifeline last week when he was picked up by North Melbourne.
The 24-year-old, who played 39 games for Richmond between 2015 and 2019, was selected by the Kangaroos with pick 18 in last Thursday’s Rookie Draft.
Menadue was simply going about his business at work at Rebel Sport in Point Cook when he found out he’d be getting another chance at the top level.
He was initially drafted in 2014 and says there was a giddy feeling when he was selected for a second time some six years later.
“I got a phone call from my manager saying I’m going to get picked up,” he told SEN’s Bob and Andy.
“I started getting butterflies. I felt like I was an 18-year-old kid again.
“It was no different really. It’s a funny feeling getting it twice but it was an unreal day.”
After he was delisted by the Tigers at the end of 2019, the dashing Menadue planned to play in the VFL with Werribee in 2020 in a bid to force his way back onto an AFL list.
With the season impacted by COVID-19, he admits the dream may have been over prior to North’s intervention.
“With everything that happened the season didn’t go ahead so you start thinking is it even going to happen again,” he added.
“You do sort of lose that ambition sometimes. The hardest part is getting that goal back in mind in wanting to get back to AFL level. That’s what kept me going.
“I’m super grateful and excited to be given the opportunity.”
Menadue insists he has no plans to be a fringe or injury replacement player at Arden Street and will use his previous experiences to give himself every chance of making an impact at his second club.
“Being in the system it’s easier to know what to expect and what I’m going to walk into,” he said further.
“Already being in that environment gives me an edge compared to when I was 18.
“Only a few people get the opportunity to play AFL and I’ve got another opportunity.
“I don’t know how many more I’ll get so I’m trying to make this one count.”