Draftee Sid Draper's bold move before being picked up by childhood team
New Adelaide Crow Sid Draper has revealed he phoned coach Matthew Nicks in the lead-up to the AFL draft to express his desire to play for the club he supports.
Those childhood dreams were fulfilled when the teenager was selected with pick No.4 on Wednesday night.
"Being a supporter and now a player, it's unbelievable," Draper said.
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Sid Draper is presented his Adelaide jumper by Nathan Van Berlo after being snapped up with pick four. Michael Willson via Getty Images
"I'm going to pinch myself if I get the opportunity to run out on Adelaide Oval."
Draper's journey to the Crows was not a sure-fire thing, as there was an abundance of talented midfielders in this year's draft.
Ahead of the draft, the teenager had taken the bold step of phoning Nicks to convey his respect for the coach and the club.
"They were so happy to see me," Draper said of the moment he entered the Crows' draft war room.
"I just felt so welcomed, I feel like I'm at home already, it was so good to see Nicksy."
Meanwhile, Joe Berry was snapped up with pick No.15 by Port Adelaide, who traded up to avoid missing out on the small forward.
Joe Berry of Victoria Country prepares to kick. via Getty Images
Power great, turned recruiter, Robbie Gray played a crucial role in the club's decision to draft him.
"We caught up in Benalla, and I got to meet him," Berry said.
"He's someone I've idolised and watched a lot of his football."
This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
