Sitting by the computer waiting to see if you’re drafted can be a nerve-wracking experience, but Tom Murphy’s experience was on another level.

The AFL hopeful had just settled in with his family to keep an eye on the Rookie Draft, when things took a turn.

“I was watching it with Mum, Dad and my sister at home on my laptop, but the numbers for the draft weren’t showing up,” Murphy told NMFC.com.au 

Years of junior football and a lifetime dream were on the line, with a dodgy internet connection causing havoc. 

Thankfully, help was at hand.

“I got a call from my mate Miles in Adelaide and he told me I’d been picked, then I got a ring from my manager and it all escalated pretty quickly,” Murphy said.

“I was over the moon, it’s been a really long journey and to hear my name being called out was a huge relief.”

Murphy’s arrival at the club has been made easier by a coastal connection to another of North’s latest draft crop.

“Me and Luke (Davies-Uniacke) are pretty good mates; we surf together most weekends, so to have him here with me is an added bonus.”

The new recruits played together with the Dandenong Stingrays, and are looking at strengthening their bond further in 2018.

“It has made settling in a bit easier, and I have spoken to Neil (Player Welfare Manager) about a host family, and potentially moving in with Luke’s host family,” Murphy said.

While there’s a temptation to ease the draftees in, this year’s crop has quickly been put to the test.

“I was looking forward to that first session (last week), I didn’t think it would be that solid, and my legs were feeling like jelly at the end of it,” Murphy added.

“It was really good, and it’s exciting to start learning off the boys.

“It might take a little while to get used to the fact that I’m in an AFL environment, and I’m still pinching myself a bit.”

Murphy’s versatility will no doubt be a bonus as he looks to prove himself as a rookie. 

Known for his booming kick and composure under pressure, he can also play in multiple positions, capable of going forward, run out of defence and go through the middle.