After being picked up by the Hawks with selection 50 in Thursday night’s 2014 National Draft, hawthornfc.com.au caught up with Marc Pittonet.

Kate Salemme: Welcome to Hawthorn Marc. What did you get up to on draft night, how did you follow it?
Marc Pittonet: I was at home having a quiet night with my family and my girlfriend. I watched the draft on TV, on Fox Footy.

As soon as I got drafted everyone jumped up and screamed. There were a few tears from my mum and my dad. Everyone was pretty excited because Hawthorn is such a great club.

Then friends and family just started turning up to my house to start celebrating!

KS: Were you nervous at all?
MP: I was pretty edgy because I’d spoken to a number of clubs including Hawthorn but I didn’t really have any idea where I was going to go.

I wasn’t really sure who was looking at me, I was just praying.

KS: Did you think Hawthorn was a genuine possibility?
MP: I didn’t really get an indication from any club, they were all keeping their cards close to their chest.

I didn’t really expect anything.

KS: How do you feel now joining Hawthorn, a club with such a great history?
MP: I am absolutely, incredibly excited. To go to a club that is successful and has just won back-to-back premierships, it’s really historic, has a great fan base and you always hear about how great the people are so it’s unbelievable.

It sounds like a place you just really want to be.

You always hear people say they want to model their clubs on Hawthorn so I can’t really think of anywhere better to be.

KS: Have any of the players or coaches contacted you?
MP: About 25 or 30 minutes after I got picked up, I had a phone call from Luke Hodge so that was pretty surreal.

Then when I started to feel a bit better, Sam Mitchell called me and I lot all my senses again.

I’ve also had texts from a number of players and Alastair Clarkson as well. I’ve probably had about 20-25 texts from players, coaches and staff so far. They’ve been very welcoming.

KS: Who did you support growing up?
MP: I barracked for North Melbourne. But now I’m die hard Hawthorn. Immediate switch.

KS: What type of player are you?
MP: I’m an aggressive ruckman who can also play forward. My tap work is good – I’m able to give my midfield teammates first use of the ball, that’s probably my biggest asset.

I’m physical, aggressive and competitive and hate being beaten. I always try to be a big physical presence for my team to try and give them a lift.

Marc Pittonet in his new Hawthorn polo.