JUST when Trent Rivers thought being drafted onto an AFL list couldn’t get any better, it did.
The 18-year-old was selected with pick No.32 in the 2019 National Draft, landing at Melbourne alongside close friend Luke Jackson (who was drafted with pick No.3).
And in the moments after his name was called out, Rivers was simply ecstatic.
“I’m stoked, especially with Luke Jackson there as well – I’m buzzing,” he told Melbourne Media.
“I probably consider him one of my best mates.
“I’m just over the moon to be able to go through this journey with him over the past two years, and now to continue it on, it’s just a dream come true.”
The Demons’ newest duo have played alongside each other since under 16s, developing a bond both on and off the field.
While Rivers watched his mate get picked last night, he had no inkling his fate would line up just 24 hours later.
“To be honest I wouldn’t have thought of it once in a blue moon,” he said.
“I had no clue. I did not think I’d be in Melbourne’s contention, then I saw my name called out and I was just stoked.”
The Western Australian born youngster is now preparing for a life changing move, but says he is more than ready to settle in Victoria.
“Moving states was always in the back of my mind,” Rivers said.
“The Dockers and Eagles had traded out their first 40-odd picks, so I had wrapped my head around the fact I might be moving.
“Now it’s happened, and I’m just stoked.”
As expected, the celebrations were large at the Rivers household when the 188cm defender’s name was called, with his future decided on Thursday night.
“I was at home in front of the TV with some mates, my girlfriend and all my family – everyone was there,” he said.
“So they all got up and jumped around when I was picked.”
Rivers, a silky ball user, has no expectations to slot into his new AFL side, but hopes to develop his craft in a number of areas.
“In a few years I’d like to push into the midfield, once I’ve built my endurance up and everything, but to start off I’ll try to be a really attacking half-back,” he said.
“I’ll look to use the ball well and penetrate with my kick.”
After what has been an exciting two days for Melbourne, Rivers now joins Jackson and Kysaiah Pickett as the newest additions to the red and blue.