By Tom Carey and Claire Siracusa
All the picks from the first night of the AFL national draft. Check back on Tuesday for updates from the second night of the draft.
1. Aaron Cadman, GWS
What Cadman said: ”Never in a million years did I think I would be in this position. It’s really special.” He said that in his conversations with the Giants he had not been told what position he would play. “I just can’t wait to get cracking into it and meeting all the boys.”
Cadman was presented his jumper by Toby Greene and described the controversial Giant as “honestly the best bloke I’ve ever met”.
He found out he was set to be the N0.1 pick about a week ago, describing his feeling on the night as one of “massive relief”.
“Adam Kingsley and the recruiting team came down, and asked me if I wanted to know. At the start I said ‘no, don’t tell me’, but then I was like ‘nah, you gotta tell me,’” he said. “I’m glad they did. It’s been hard holding it in, but it’s been worth it.”
The No.1 draft pick flies up to NSW on Thursday to get started with his new team. “I can’t wait … I’m really looking forward to that, to meeting just meeting everyone.”
2. Will Ashcroft, Brisbane Lions
(matched North Melbourne’s bid)
What Ashcroft said: ”Just relieved, it’s a surreal moment,” said Ashcroft. “I’m looking forward to getting into it. There’s a lot of work to be done, it all resets now. It’s time to get the respect from everyone [at the Brisbane Lions].”
3. Harry Sheezel, North Melbourne
What Sheezel said: “I am so grateful. The club is in really good hands. They have really good staff and a young and exciting list.”
4. George Wardlaw, North Melbourne
What Wardlaw said: “I’m feeling good,” the Oakleigh Chargers product said. Of his constant hamstring injuries this season, he said “I was scared at some points”. Wardlaw said he was thankful for his family and his teammates who supported him throughout the year.
5. Elijah Tsatas, Essendon
What Tsatas said: “I’m super excited for what I can bring and I think everyone at Essendon is excited.” Of the foot fracture he suffered in May, the 18-year-old said: “It was a whirlwind”. “Doing my rehab to the full extent gave me some confidence.”
6. Bailey Humphrey, Gold Coast
What Humphrey said: “I can’t wait to learn off the leaders at the Gold Coast Suns.” He said he was looking forward to training with the midfield group. “I will try and earn respect from them,” he said.
7. Cameron Mackenzie, Hawthorn
What Mackenzie said: “It’s an amazing feeling heading to the Hawks,” said the excited youngster, who grew up a Hawthorn supporter. Mackenzie won a premiership with Victoria Metro and Sandringham Dragons, saying “I’m grateful to have played in those big games”. “Its been a very enjoyable year,” he said.
8. Jhye Clark, Geelong
What Clark said: He has already spent time with the Geelong senior side. “That was an unreal experience, I got to see how professional they are inside the four walls,” he said. Clark was the captain of Victoria Metro. “I was very privileged and lucky enough to do that.”
9. Reuben Ginbey, West Coast
What Ginbey said: He said it was “awesome” he was able to stay in his home state. “But I was happy to go anywhere.” Ginbey said he would have to convince his Fremantle-supporting family to switch allegiance to West Coast.
