New West Coast draftee Daniel Venables is already eager to learn the finer points of being a professional footballer.
The Eagles first selection in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft said he intended to make the most of staying with reigning John Worsfold medallist Luke Shuey before he was billeted out to a local host family.
“I’m pretty happy staying with him, so I can pick his brain,” Venables said.
“If I can be half the player that he’ll be I’d be pretty happy.
“I think [I want to learn] what he does behind the scenes with his diet, recovery and just how he goes about it; things that people don’t see on game day.”
Venables, who described himself as an explosive midfielder who could push goal side in search of points, was also looking forward to acquainting himself with West Coast’s engine room.
He hoped to take his game to another level while working alongside the elite group.
“I look forward to training with Luke Shuey and Sam Mitchell, as well as Matt Priddis,” Venables said.
“I guess as an 18-year-old coming from Melbourne I couldn’t ask for anything more than to learn off three of the best midfielders in the competition.
“I just want to get through this pre-season first and whatever happens happens. I’m not putting any limitations on myself.”