Harry DeMattia is already working out which Collingwood premiership players he plans to learn from.
The 18-year-old was selected by the Magpies with Pick 25 in the first round of the AFL Draft on Monday night.
The Edithvale-Aspendale and Dandenong Stingrays product, who co-captained Vic Country alongside No.1 pick Harley Reid, says he will look to the club’s more experienced players for inspiration.
“Obviously Darcy Moore and his leadership,” DeMattia said on SEN’s Sportsday.
“Steele Sidebottom and ‘Pendles’ (Scott Pendlebury), you can pick their brains.
“You’ve got blokes who are the spiritual leaders like Brayden Maynard and guys like that which are ruthless.
“I can’t wait to see how they go about it.”
While DeMattia is effective as a midfielder, he does his best work across half-back and as a result is keen to pick up some tips from Collingwood’s accomplished defenders.
“Then obviously Isaac Quaynor is such a good lockdown defender and Nathan Murphy, those type of guys which I’m looking forward to getting body-positioning tips off and how they nullify their opponents’ impact,” he added.
“It will be good to see all those different blokes and all those different roles, how they go about it and how I can implement it in my game.”
DeMattia was also a gun cricketer, playing for Australia at junior level, but ultimately opted to stick with footy.
Now he gets to play for the reigning premiers in front of massive crowds which he admits will be a privilege.
“I wouldn’t change it for the world, I’m so happy to be at Collingwood,” he said further.
“That’s just an extra added privilege to be going to such a proud and prestigious club.
“It was such an honour when they read out my name. I’m going to love it and get to work next week, just trust the process each day, try to get better and try to get everyone around me better.”
DeMattia was one of two players selected by the Pies in the National Draft alongside Gippsland Power product Tew Jiath, the younger brother of Hawthorn defender Changkuoth.
More in AFL
“This time next year…”: Cornes’ bold pick for his next AFL head coach in waiting
“I think he is the most ready head coach in waiting.”
Why the Demons are confident Oliver and Petracca can get the club back on track
Alan Richardson believes that Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca are back to their best after injuries
“I did not retire!”: Cult-hero Saint reflects on strange end to AFL career
The news of Steven Baker’s retirement was news to the former player himself!