After being picked up by the Hawks with selection 49 in Thursday night’s 2014 National Draft, hawthornfc.com.au caught up with Teia Miles.
Kate Salemme: Welcome to Hawthorn Teia. First off, how did you watch or follow the draft?
Teia Miles: I had my mum and dad, my sister and her boyfriend at my house and they were all watching it in the lounge room while I was watching in my room by myself. I was too nervous to watch it with them.
When my name got read out it was an unbelievable feeling.
KS: Not everyone knows what it’s like to be drafted to an AFL club, such a select few get the privilege. What’s it like when your name gets called?
TM: It’s the best feeling in the world. I’ve grown up playing and watching footy so it’s a dream come true, really to finally be here.
I just have to work even harder now – I can’t wait to get stuck into it.
KS: Did you think Hawthorn was a chance of picking you?
TM: I didn’t. The recruiters actually came to my house on Monday morning to ask me a few questions but they gave me no indication whatsoever that they were going to pick me.
When it got to Hawthorn’s picks I was hoping and hoping. When it got to pick 49 I thought, ‘this is Hawthorn…’ and then my name got called out.
KS: Was there another club you thought you might have ended up at?
TM: I honestly didn’t. I had Brisbane at my house but they didn’t have a pick until later on, in the 60s, so I was waiting for that as well.
But I’m thankful Hawthorn picked me up before that. I couldn’t be more proud to be at a club like Hawthorn.
KS: How do you feel about joining Hawthorn? We’ve just won back-to-back premierships…
TM: It is very daunting to join such a successful club but it’s also the best feeling join this club in the way they’re going right now, it’s just unbelievable. I can’t wait to get into it.
KS: Who has contacted you from the Club?
TM: I had Sam Mitchell and Luke Hodge call me last night, then a few of the other boys texted me like ‘Rough’, ‘Shielsy’ and Isaac Smith and those types of guys. Then Alastair Clarkson texted me as well.
They’ve all been really good to me so far, really welcoming.
KS: What was it like receiving calls from Hodge and Mitchell who have both captained the Club and won six premierships between them?
TM: I was speechless when I first answered the calls and they said who they were. I didn’t even know what to say.
I can’t wait to meet them and get to know them. It’s a dream come true.
KS: What type of player are you?
TM: I’m a small defender who’s versatile because I can play forward and midfield as well like I did in the TAC Cup. I’m a running half-back who uses the ball well.
KS: Who did you support growing up?
TM: I was a Geelong supporter growing up. I was always at the Geelong-Hawthorn games and sitting there a bit nervous because they’re so close.
Of course I’m going to change now though!
Teia Miles with his new Hawks guernsey.
