One minute Seamus Mitchell was sitting at home on his couch nervously waiting to hear if his name would be read out in the AFL National Draft.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The next minute he was receiving text messages from Jeff Kennett, Alastair Clarkson and a host of Hawthorn senior players.
The Bendigo Pioneers' product realised a childhood dream when he was selected by Hawthorn in Wednesday night's AFL National Draft.
The speedy midfielder/forward was picked by the Hawks early in the second round with selection 29.
"I really don't know what to say, I can't believe it,'' an excited Mitchell said.
"I didn't know if I was going to get picked tonight or not, so to get picked by Hawthorn is just amazing.
"I'm relieved..I didn't expect to be picked that early. It's bloody awesome."
From Robinvale, Mitchell burst onto the scene with some standout performances in a five-game streak for the Bendigo Pioneers late in the 2019 NAB League season.
The COVID-19 pandemic cost Mitchell the opportunity to showcase his game in 2020, but he'd shown the Hawks enough in a handful of games last year and at the draft combine.
He ran the fastest 20m srpint (2.88 seconds) at the Victoria country draft combine.
One Pioneers insider described Mitchell as "one of the most talented players to come through the club in years".
Hawthorn supporters hope that desription rings true.
Mitchell had spoken with representatives from most AFL clubs throughout the season.
"I spoke to Hawthorn a couple of times through the year and then had one more talk with (recruiting manager) Graeme Wright last week,'' Mitchell said.
"It must have went alright."
A Collingwood supporter growing up, Mitchell said there were tears of joy shared between his family members after his name was read out.
"It's been pretty hectic,'' Mitchell said.
"Some Hawthorn players have text me, so has Jeff Kennett and Clarko. It's amazing how quickly your life changes."
Mitchell was the Hawks' second pick in the draft behind key defender Denver Grainger-Barras (pick 6).
He becomes the first Pioneers' player drafted by the Hawks since Jordan Williams in the 2009 national draft.
Mitchell's Pioneers' team-mates Jack Ginnivan and Josh Treacy missed selection in the national draft and now turn their attention to Thursday's rookie draft.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
