PERHAPS one of the more underrated football families in VFL/AFL history may not be that way any longer, after a fourth-generation member of the Spargo family – Charlie Spargo – entered the AFL on Friday night, when Melbourne snapped up him with its first pick, No.29 overall, in this year’s NAB AFL Draft.

Charlie follows his great grandfather Bob Snr, who played two games for Melbourne in 1942, after 65 matches with Footscray from 1934-41.

In fact, Bob Snr had two sons, Bob Jnr and Ricky, who both played for the Bulldogs. Bob Jnr notched up 80 games for the Dogs from 1958-63 and Ricky featured in 64 matches for Footscray from 1966-71.

And Bob Jnr’s son Paul – the father of Charlie – played 90 VFL/AFL matches from 1985-93, including 81 with North Melbourne from 1985-92 and nine games with the Brisbane Bears in 1993.

Despite his family’s connection to several clubs, particularly the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne, Spargo was simply “over the moon” to join Melbourne.

“I was really nervous. I honestly had no idea where I was going,” the small forward/midfielder from Murray Bushrangers told melbournefc.com.au.

“I spoke to my manager and I spoke to everyone I could to find to see where I was going, but I didn’t know.

“To go to a club like Melbourne, which is on the rise and a great club, I’m honoured.”

Although he came from a strong football background, Spargo said he was never pushed by his father or family to play the game.

“I’ve always loved footy from a young age,” he said.

“Dad has never placed any pressure on me to play footy – he’s always supported me in whatever I do.

“To finally get drafted – it's something I’ve been working really hard for in the past three or four years – it’s just really good.”