New Fremantle forward Adam Sweid is ready to get to work after being taken with the last pick on night one of the AFL national draft on Wednesday night.
Sweid, who was surrounded by friends and family, had a few nervous moments before finding out he would call the Dockers home.
As an Essendon Next Generation Academy product, Essendon had the right to match the Dockers bid at pick 25.
When they didn’t, the crowd went wild as it was confirmed he would go to Fremantle.
Speaking the following morning, the Calder Cannons star said it was a crazy feeling to have been drafted.
“I don’t think it’s hit me yet,” he said. “When I get some time to myself [I think it might], I haven’t had any time yet.
“It’s exciting and I just can’t wait to get to Perth.”
Having spoken to Fremantle in the lead up to the draft, Sweid knew there was a chance that the Dockers might have bid on him.
It was only when his name was called out that it became a reality.
While Essendon had nominated him, he didn’t know whether they would match the bid or not.
“I wasn’t worried about that,” he said. “I just wanted to play AFL and Freo has given me the chance to live out my dream.
“I’m going to give them 100 per cent.”
As soon as Sweid’s name was called out had was swamped by friends and family who had come to watch it with him.
“It was so good, family and close people around me to be there one of my best days of my life, I’m so happy,” he said.
Among those supporting Sweid was former Calder Cannon and now-Essendon forward Isaac Kako.
This time last year it was Kako in the same situation.
“I’ve done my running with him over the last few months to get in shape and be ready,” he said. “He’s been so good to me
“It’s unreal, he was here 12 months ago. I put in the hard work and stayed consistent and my work has paid off.”
Sweid said the Cannons had done so much for him over the past few years and had allowed him to play his brand of football.
He played his junior football with Hadfield, Glenroy and Pascoe Vale, all in the Essendon District Football League.
Sweid said he’d spend the next couple of days catching up with as much family before heading to Perth on the weekend.
While Sweid’s draft dreams have been realised, he will be watching to see if Cannons and Pascoe Vale teammate Hussien el Achkar gets picked up.
He is also an Essendon Next Generation Academy member.
“I’ll be at Huss’s house. Hopefully he goes, it would be amazing,” he said.
“He’s my best mate.”
