Curtis Taylor may have been the last player attending the 2018 National Draft to have his name read out, but was ecstatic when North Melbourne finally selected him at pick 46.  

Having attended the first night of the two-day event without any luck, Taylor returned to Marvel Stadium on Friday to realise his fate. 

“It was 100% worth the wait,” Taylor told North Media.

“I was at the draft on Thursday night, so it was long wait that night, then it was about 90 minutes on the Friday as well.

“But as soon as my name was read out by North Melbourne I forgot all about it, and was just really excited to get into it.”

Taylor joined the rest of the new draftees at training on Monday and Tuesday, with the group being eased into the action.

“We are really just settling in so far, and just easing into it,” Taylor said.

“It’s been really good to meet all the boys, the coaches and the rest of the staff. It’s been a really exciting couple of days.”

Previous relationships with fellow draftees and a potential teammate in the attacking 50 have also helped with the initial process of joining an AFL list. 

“I was in the (AFL) Academy with Tarryn (Thomas) and Bailey Scott, so I had a relationship with them already.

“Mason Wood is someone that I have been friends with for a while, so he has helped as well.” 

Rated as one of the best mid-sized forwards in the 2018 draft pool, the 187cm prospect is hoping to bring some exciting attributes to the Roos forward line. 

“I predominantly play forward, but I can pinch-hit through the midfield as well,” Taylor added.

“I like to think that when I get the opportunity around goals that I’m pretty dangerous. 

“I’m a good one-on-one player and feel like I’ve got a good mark, and if I get the chance to have a shot on goal, I can finish.”

Taylor is the nephew of cricketing royalty in Shane Warne, and is hoping to convert the Saints fan to the royal blue and white stripes.

“He (Warne) loves the Saints through and through, but maybe, I’ll see.”