BASKETBALL convert Luke Surman was not expecting to find an AFL home in this year’s rookie draft.
But he kept his eyes firmly focused on the AFL app last Friday, hoping for an opportunity.
When Hawthorn selected the South Australian teenager with pick 18, he couldn’t believe it.
“I wasn’t expecting to be picked up at all,” Surman told hawthornfc.com.au upon his arrival at the Ricoh Centre this week.
“I’m just pretty lucky and pretty happy to be at Hawthorn… It was a bit of relief, but mostly just excitement.
“Obviously everyone’s pretty stoked for you, and you’re off to Melbourne pretty quickly from SA, so it’s been busy but it’s been good.
“It’s a big step, but it’s the dream.”
Until this year, basketball had been the focus for the 197-centimetre 17-year-old.
“Up until this year I was playing basketball and school football sort of on the side. I went out to (SANFL club) Norwood at the beginning of 2015 and went from there,” he said.
“Whilst I really enjoy my basketball, I started to enjoy my footy a lot. Being from Rostrevor College back in SA, it’s a pretty footy-orientated school… I sort of got scooped up into that and loved it.
The Redlegs product displayed some promising signs representing his state in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, catching the eyes of recruiters.
“I had my ups and downs, but overall I think I did okay (at the championships),” Surman said.
“I think I showed some things that I can do well, but also highlighted some things I need to improve on, so it was a pretty good experience.
“This year’s been a big step with transitioning to footy. I’m pretty grateful things have panned out the way they have.”
Surman played predominantly as a key defender for South Australia’s under-18s, however Hawthorn Recruiting and List Manager Graham Wright sees the youngster having a lot of flexibility.
“We think he’s got a lot of upside – he can play as a genuine ruck, can play forward as well but can also go back and play key position,” Wright said.
“He’s a really competitive player - his ruck work is really good, he’s strong overhead and kicks the ball well for a big man.”
Life at Waverley Park kicked off Surman on Monday, and he’s hoping to channel his nerves and settle in as quickly as he can.
“There’s that realisation that you are going to have to move away from home and start your journey in Melbourne, and perhaps that’s a bit daunting, but most of it’s just absolute excitement that you get the chance,” Surman said.
“Dad hasn’t been too bad with it, but Mum’s had a few tears… but they’re probably tears of joy, she’s pretty happy for me.”
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