Collingwood draftee Arlo Draper says he was surprised to have been snapped up by the Magpies in November’s intake.
The South Adelaide product was expected to be taken early, but his nerves were tested as he slid all the way to pick 45.
“I tried going into the draft with not too much expectation on myself,” he told SEN SA Breakfast on Wednesday.
“There’s media through the year and all that, and it’s hard not to look into it. When lots of names are getting read out, it can be a bit nerve-wracking when they’re not yours.
“In terms of Collingwood, they were probably the last team I expected to pick me up! I had one chat with them in January and hadn’t heard a thing from them since.
“It was a surprise to say the least, but a really good surprise, and a lot of relief when they called out my name.”
The broom went through Collingwood after a poor season, Draper one of five draftees (to go with two recruits) who will take their first steps into the league under rookie coach Craig McRae.
“Craig’s incredible,” he enthused.
“He’s bringing a whole new feel and culture to the club, and he’s driving really high standards which is incredible.
“He’s really involved, he gets to know all the players on the field and in training, so it’s been really good to play under him."
The 18-year-old hopes to win the attention of the Magpies’ new coach, but first has to rebuild his body.
“My short-term goal is to get my shoulder right, because I had a shoulder operation eight weeks ago now,” he explained.
“To get that right, get back into full pre-season training and complete the pre-season without any more interruptions.
“(Then) to build that base of fitness and learn the game plan… and long term I’m just hoping to play at some point next year.
“I’m trying not to put too much expectation on it, but obviously you want to play. The main goal is to get a senior game at some point next year and hold my spot when I do.”
Draper revealed where we’ll see him line up early in his career; it appears the youthful Magpies set-up will afford him opportunities to explore his versatile skillset.
“I’ve been put in the forward group,” he continued.
“I’m still learning some of the mid stuff, but it’s going to be mainly forward to begin with.”
An important leg in every draftee’s journey to feeling settled in the system is a nickname that sticks, and Draper is no different.
“When I was getting introduced, my roommate (and Pies midfielder) Isaac Chugg dubbed me ‘Curtains,’” he explained.
“It is a completely fresh nickname! I’ve never heard that one before, I was a little shocked when he said it and quite impressed as well.”