LIAM Hulett says if he thought he got drafted, it’d be as a rookie – but possibly to Melbourne.

But on Tuesday night, he became the last player to fill Melbourne’s primary list for 2016 season, when he was claimed at No.46 in the NAB AFL Draft, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, as he explained.

“I thought the Dees were one of the chances, where someone might take me, but to be honest I didn’t think they would take me that early. I thought I’d probably be selected as a rookie. It’s unreal and I can’t really believe it at the moment,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“I was in a bit of shock. My mum and dad were jumping up and down, my aunty and uncle were jumping up and down, but I was just shocked. I really didn’t believe what was happening and it was a pretty unreal experience.

“I hadn’t played too much footy this year and I wasn’t really expecting much, but I’m just stoked to be able to go to Melbourne. It’s a great club and I can’t wait to get started.”

A versatile key position player capable of playing at either end, Hulett described himself as a “tall key forward and is aggressive”.

“I want to compete. I hate losing and I’ve got a strong set of hands and really aggressive at the footy,” he said.

“I had a bit of a disappointing year. I did my ankle in the pre-season, which pretty much ruled me out for most of the year. I managed to play two games for the Stingrays in rounds 17 and 18.

“I was happy to be able to get back and play some footy, but it was still disappointing to miss most of the year with the ankle injury. I’m just stoked with what’s happened tonight at the Draft.

“I just honestly can’t wait to get stuck into pre-season and worked my absolute arse off and hopefully the rewards come from there.”