New West Coast draftee Josh Rotham expects reality to set in when he hits the training track with his new Eagles teammates next week.
The 18-year-old West Perth product was still coming to terms with being an Eagle after the club nabbed him with selection No.37 in last night’s NAB AFL Draft.
“It’s all a bit surreal,” Rotham said.
“It’s only really sinking in now, but I’m sure when we get stuck into training, me and Jakey, we’ll feel like we’re at home.
“Obviously growing up in Perth I’m a West Coast supporter, so it’s a dream come true coming here and landing at the club.”
The dashing defender was blissfully unaware the Eagles had him in their sights and revealed he was mobbed by friends and family at his Padbury home when the good news came through.
“Everyone is a bit tight-lipped and you sort of get a bit of communication through your manager, but I had no idea going in,” he said.
“I knew as much as you guys did, so that’s what made it exciting.
“All the family came over at home, so there was a bit of hype leading up to it. All the family was sitting there holding on and then obviously I landed here at the Eagles. I’m stoked.”
Rotham spoke to coach Adam Simpson following his selection and was pleasantly surprised to receive messages and calls from future teammates.
He said chatting to 2014 Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis was a highlight.
“I got on the phone to Matty Priddis later last night, which was good,” Rotham said.
“I’ve met him before. Me and Jake have spent a bit of time here before through the NAB Academy, so he just said to soak it all in, ease into it and we’ll see you Monday.”
Rotham, who likened his style of play to that of Western Bulldogs premiership captain Easton Wood, conceded he would have to spend some time in the gym before mixing it with the big boys.
“I think I’m sitting at about 80kg at the moment,” he revealed.
“I think I need to get to, as that third tall, another six to eight kilos at this stage. That will come through the gym and getting a solid pre-season under my belt.”
