WHILE many dreams were made at the 2021 National Draft, it was a night that didn’t go to script for one young Western Australian.

Judd McVee, who had spent his childhood striving to become an AFL player, went to bed last Thursday night with doubts around his career in the game.

“It was very stressful,” McVee told Melbourne Media. 

“I pretty much went straight to bed after the National Draft was done.”

But there was one last hope for the 18-year-old, who earned his spot on Melbourne’s list with pick No.18 in the Rookie Draft.

“To get picked up on the Friday was pretty special,” McVee said.

“It’s been amazing.”

It was undoubtedly a nervous wait for McVee, who learned his fate via the AFL’s live stream while watching on at home with his mum.

But now an incredible opportunity awaits: for him to join the reining premiers.

“It’s a bit daunting and exciting,” McVee said.

“You’re going to a club where there are some of the best players in the AFL.

“To get to train with them is obviously an amazing opportunity and I’ll soak everything up as much as I can.

“I can’t wait to get into it.”

McVee said he “did want to move interstate” and will feel right at home with close mates Taj Woewodin and Jacob van Rooyen by his side.

But they won’t be the only familiar faces on the training track.

“One of my favourite players to watch is Trent Rivers,” McVee said.

“I made my colts debut for East Freo a couple of years ago with Trent and I’ve watched him with his career so far.

“I want to be a running half-back that can set the play up, create, get some speed off the backline, have nice clean hands and make good decisions.”

Those traits shone through in his football this season, and will stand up when he gets his chance at the top level.