Keeping his colours red, white and blue, local footballer Zac Walker has been recruited to the AFL's Western Bulldogs.

The young player's feet have barely touched the ground since last Wednesday's announcement, telling the Advertiser things still felt "pretty surreal".

Trading one Bulldogs club for another, the 19-year-old Phillip Island Football Netball Club (PIFNC) player has already moved to Melbourne to begin training with the Western Bulldogs.

Zac had an AFL Sports Ready Traineeship at Newhaven College, and the school celebrated with him on his final day, saying they were thrilled with the news.

Eager students swarmed Zac last Thursday, wanting his autograph, offering paper, footballs, water bottles, shoes, lip balm containers and even some foreheads for him to sign.

A similarly enthusiastic reception awaited the new recruit when he attended a Phillip Island Bulldogs training session that night.

Cam Pedersen, himself a former AFL player, the club's head coach and a teacher at Newhaven College, was full of praise.

"Zac is a hard-working, dedicated individual who seeks feedback and acts upon it to better himself," said Cam.

"Talented but humble, he makes connections with those around him. Phillip Island Football Club has long supported Zac and could not be prouder of the man he has become."

Chris Ross, President of PIFNC said the draft result was "seriously the greatest news I've heard all year".

"The club couldn't be any prouder of Zac. He's an extremely humble, genuine, wonderful young man, and all his hard work is paying off.

"He started there on Monday morning, and is straight into becoming a full-time footballer."

Zac joined the PIFNC as a youngster, starting with the AusKick program.

Chris described his selection - the first local player to be drafted to the AFL since Sam Docherty - as a feel-good story, saying Zac showed perseverance and resilience after he got cut last year from Gippsland Power.

"It has brought the club so much joy to see him reach this goal in his football career," said Chris.

"This is a community club; it's about families and supporting each other, and Zac's story illustrates that. Everyone has a stake in this."

That stake was clear to see when Zac attended last Thursday night's training session and the weekend games, with kids running up to him to get autographs.

Scott Huther is part of the senior coaching team at PIFNC and said it was great to have one of the local kids drafted to the AFL.

"He has inspired his mates, and the kids coming up through the club, even the 20- to 23-year-olds," Scott said.

"He's shown there's always an opportunity if you work hard."

Sinking in

For Zac himself the reality was yet to fully sink in when he spoke to the Advertiser on Friday.

"It has calmed down a little. It will take a week or two to settle in; it all feels a little unreal at the moment."

After the draft announcement - which was caught on video, showing Zac and his friends celebrating - Zac received a call from Head Coach Luke Beveridge congratulating him on his success.
A club representative also travelled to the island that night to meet with him.

On Friday, he visited the club, describing the experience as "pretty crazy", including meeting football legends like Bontempelli and Liberatore.

With a new and exciting phase of his football career about to get underway, Zac was full of praise for the local football club which has been part of his life since he was five.

"To be honest, I've spent more hours at that club than I have at home," he said.

"I started there with Auskick as soon as it was available."

He said the support of his friends and the club had been pivotal in achieving his AFL dreams.

"I am where I am today because of great friends. You are the person who you surround yourself with," Zac said.

He also singled out four people from PIFNC for special praise.

"There are four big names; Chris Ross, Cam Pedersen and Scott Huther, plus Andy Bolton when I was younger.

"Scott is a mentor and has always been there for me, and the unreal support from Chris Ross is at levels I can't explain.

"I owe everything to them and whatever happens, I'll always have a place in my heart for them, and the club."

He said head coach Cam Pedersen had some words of wisdom and practical advice.

"He said not to be nervous and to go in there and feel like part of the club," Zac said.

"And to always be early ... if you're on time, you are late."

Resilience

Scott Huther has known Zac since his days in junior football, and said he was always struck by Zac's willingness to get better, and go the extra mile.

"I believe he was drafted because of his 'never say die' attitude and his willingness to give everything a go," Scott said.

"He is humble, well mannered and has a team attitude in the way he approaches stuff."

Over the off season, Scott and Zac worked one-on-one to improve aspects of his game, and Scott believes Zac's resilience and determination played a big part in the Western Bulldogs' decision to recruit the young player. 

Like everyone in the club, Scott will be closely following Zac's AFL career.

"I can't wait to watch his journey and I have no doubt he will do everything he can to get to where he needs to be.

"It's a great story from a kid that wasn't the best footballer, but was willing to do the work," Scott said.

Zac is now sharing an apartment for the next two weeks with the Bulldogs' other draft pick, Western Australian Michael Sellwood, and encouraged others wanting to pursue their sporting goals.

"You have to be patient and keep your head down. If you keep working and doing the right things, opportunities will come to you," Zac said.

"Continue working on your craft and stay fit, running 24-7 and getting to the gym when you can. The biggest thing is choosing the right times to have fun and when to settle down and stay disciplined."

Western Bulldogs

Announcing the draft pick on its website, the Western Bulldogs said the childhood Bulldogs supporter was an "impressive intercept defender and reads the ball well in the air".

Speaking on his addition to the team, Player Acquisition and Strategy Manager, Michael Regan commended Zac's resolution to overcome setbacks and find himself in a position to join an AFL club.

"Zac's a really exciting, raw prospect from Gippsland Power," Regan said, describing him as having "great athletic traits".

"He's done it the hard way.

"He was actually cut from Gippsland as a 17-year-old but, got to work on himself with his family and friends down at Phillip Island Football Club - who put a lot of work into him, and at Gippsland Power who have done the same over pre-season."