By Tara Murray
Calder Cannons’ Sam Ramsay was a relieved man when his name was called out by Carlton in the AFL national draft on Thursday night.
While he had an inkling that he would be selected, it wasn’t until the Blues called his name out at pick 47 that he knew he had achieved his AFL dream.
“It’s pretty unreal, it’s a dream come true,” he said.
“I had an inkling, but nothing was set in stone though. I knew I was a good chance, but come kids could slip through. I wasn’t 100 per cent sure.”
Ramsay was sitting at home with his family watching the draft and said it was a weight off his shoulders to hear his name.
He said it had been pretty nerve-wracking the last few weeks while he waited for the draft to come, but it was pour joy now.
Ramsay said his phone hasn’t stopped buzzing, including messages just about every player on the Carlton list.
“It wouldn’t stop buzzing, for two to three hours. I’m just getting back to everyone now.”
Ramsay said that he spoke to Carlton just once during the year, about midway through the NAB League season.
Even though they didn’t speak to him at the combine, he knew Carlton was still interested.
Ramsay had a dominant second half of the season after missing out on Vic Metro selection, which saw him share the Calder Cannons best and fairest award.
It also saw him earn an invite to the state combine.
He said his selection by Carlton shows that hard work pays off in the end.
Ramsay quickly found himself down at Ikon Park on Friday, as he undertook his first training session with the club on Friday afternoon.
“They are quite young and I think they are heading in the right direction, I’m really excited to just get started,” he said before the first training session.
“Everyone seems welcoming so far. If I can put my head down and work hard, I think I can earn the respect of my teammates and staff, and that’s my number one thing.”
Ramsay was one of four Calder Cannons selected in the draft of Thursday night.
Harrison Jones was selected by Essendon, while Francis Evans was the surprise pick of the draft, taken by Geelong.
Lachlan Gollant was picked by Adelaide.
Ramsay said it was pretty special to see Jones, a fellow Gisborne boy, also get selected.
“Me and Harry have been pretty much best friends since three or four, we went to kinder together, it’s pretty special,” he said.
“I was watching it with my family and they were all excited, I was just as excited for him. I like seeing him do well.
“It’s something that I won’t forget.”
