As the names kept getting called out at the AFL draft night on Thursday, Calder Cannons’ Damian Cavka started to get nervous.
Having been spoken about as going high in the top 20, the Keilor footballer still hadn’t heard his name at pick 60.
“I thought for a second that I wouldn’t get drafted,” Cavka said on Thursday night.
“I had moved into another room and started to get emotional thinking my dream may not come true.
“Clubs had started passing on their picks.”
But Cavka’s dream came true as West Coast selected him at pick 66.
“When I heard I just jumped up and down,’’ he said.
“I’m really happy and grateful and so is my family.
“I can’t wait to get there to meet everyone. I have got phone calls from some of the players already.”
Cavka doesn’t have any concerns moving over to Perth, he is just grateful for the opportunity.
“It’s always been my dream [to be an AFL player] and I thought for a moment [that dream] is over.
“I didn’t care less to be honest. I just wanted to get selected and get started.
“I’ve played football with Vic Metro over there and I enjoyed it.”
Cavka said his joy of being drafted was heightened by the number of close friends who got drafted.
“Jayden [Laverde, Keilor teammate], I have grown up with him and he is my best friend.
“Jake Lever, Peter Wright and Corey Ellis have all been drafted, too.
“I think of the names called out and I never pictured this many would make it onto AFL lists. It is amazing for those guys as well.”
Cavka will met the Eagles for the first time on Friday.
“I’ll move over there on Sunday or Monday, the latest.
“Mum and Dad are going to Thailand on Sunday afternoon so everyone is leaving.”
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