An anonymous footballer one day, an AFL player the next. That has been the reality for not only St Kilda’s recent draftees, but for draftees around the country. And it’s a reality that new Saints Ed Phillips and Rowan Marshall have described as a ‘whirlwind’.
While Oakleigh Chargers midfielder Phillips was exposed to the nature of the draft 12 months ago through his brother Ed, who was recruited by Collingwood, it’s still an entirely different proposition now that it is his turn.
“It definitely has been a whirlwind the last few days,” Phillips told saints.com.au after a weights session in New Zealand.
“The first day, running out with all the boys that you’ve seen play on TV and then actually training with them was a little bit of a shock, but you get used to it pretty quickly. I’m starting to settle in nicely.”
North Ballarat key position player Marshall experienced a more rapid whirlwind, with his fate not sealed until late last Monday when the Saints swooped at pick No. 10 in the Rookie Draft.
From there, the 21-year-old packed up his life in Portland, drove the five hours to his new home at Linen House Centre, before flying over to New Zealand with his new teammates. A complete life transformation all in the space of a few days.
“It’s been a massive whirlwind finding out Monday night and then having to pack your bag,” Marshall said.
“They gave me the night to celebrate with close family and friends and then I was straight into the next day; packed my bag in the morning and then hopped in the car and drive five hours down the highway, before coming to New Zealand straight away.”
When St Kilda selected classy Northern Territory utility Ben Long with the clubs first pick (No. 25) in the National Draft, the 19-year-old not only had a new home, but also had to quickly arrange a passport for this camp.
Having played in Footscray’s VFL premiership with new recruit Koby Stevens this year and with Jade Gresham at the Northern Knights in 2015, as well as spending time in the boarding house with Hugh Goddard at Melbourne Grammar, Long already knew a few players but sees the pre-season camp as an opportunity to get to know the playing list.
“One of the main things we’ll get from the trip is making good relationships with your teammates. All the boys are very welcoming, we’re getting to know each other really well,” Long said.
As for newly acquired key forward Josh Battle, the Dandenong Stingrays product says the playing group have embraced the draftees, making the transition period as easy as possible.
“I’m settling in really well, the players have been unreal. I couldn’t be more grateful for the players accepting me and the new boys,” Battle said.
