BIG man Max King says he still pinches himself that he’s on an AFL list.

The forward/ruckman rookie from Wagga said he relished his opportunity with Melbourne, after not being sure if he would be drafted. He ended up be claimed in the NAB AFL Rookie Draft at No.19 in late 2013.

“I was pretty sure I was going to end up with a tool bag for Christmas [in 2013], but I ended up at Melbourne instead, so it’s good – I love it,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

King is undertaking his first full pre-season after arriving at the club in 2013 via the NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

“This is my first full crack at a pre-season, so it’s a rude shock,” he said.

“I’m not an elite runner by any stretch of the word, but it’s been tough. The boys have helped me out getting through, so that’s made it a lot easier.

“I just want to get out there and playing footy. I’m sick of running laps, so I just want to get out there and have a game.”

King said he relished the opportunity to play two NAB Challenge matches last year.

“It was a good, hard challenge. I’d played against men before but it’s different to playing men back home [in New South Wales], but this was quicker and stronger,” he said.

“I loved it – it was a great experience.”

At 200cm, King said he actually preferred playing in attack.

“I like playing up forward more, but I do like playing in the ruck,” he said.

“Traditionally, I’m more of a forward who plays in the ruck.”

Reflecting on the pre-season camp so far, King said he simply “loved it”. He added that training in the conditions was like playing in wet weather football.

“Training in the humidity and getting around the boys – around guys you don’t normally hang out with – was good, so you could speak to them more,” he said.

“The camp was really good and everyone pushed themselves through training. It’s been hard, but fun.

“It’s incredible how much we sweat. The camp’s been great and everyone’s had a crack and it’s been good fun.”