Daniel Venables and his family were set for his selection by an interstate club in Friday night’s AFL national draft.
So when Venables landed a spot at West Coast Eagles, based on the other side of the country from his Taylors Lakes home, a well-oiled machine got his bags packed, a meet-and-greet was held for adoring friends and family, before the lad was checked onto his Sunday evening flight.
This week, the western suburbs’ best young footballer will start on the road to becoming a full-time professional.
“It will be a little bit challenging,” Venables said of his interstate move. “But we’ve prepared ourselves for a while for this to happen.”
Venables was inundated with phone calls and texts from the moment he was selected by West Coast as a first-round pick in the draft.
The 18-year-old did his utmost to get back to all his well-wishers, but the turnaround between the draft and his relocation was short.
What Venables will never forget is the support over the long-term of his family, friends, teammates and coaches, particularly the impact of junior club Keilor, TAC Cup side Western Jets and the teachers and students at Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School.
“The phone has been going crazy, but I love it,” he said. “I’ve met so many people over the journey, so they’re excited for me.
“Through Keilor, PEGS and Western Jets, I’ve had so much support. It’s been a bit overwhelming … so I guess I’m glad it’s finally paid off, and I can’t wait to get around everyone and just thank them, which is what I’m doing at the moment.”
Venables is no Johnny-come-lately to the AFL scene. He was born into football, unlike some of the converts from other sports chosen more for their attributes than football skills, in the hope these will translate.
Football ran in the family from the moment his great grandfather Johnny Lewis captain-coached North Melbourne and pulled on the Big V.
His granddad Fred Robinson played for North Melbourne, while his dad Peter was once on Collingwood’s under-19 list.
Getting drafted to the AFL is what Venables has wanted for as long as he can remember.
“I’ve been waiting for so long for that day to happen, and it finally happened,” he said of the wait, still nursing a foot injury from the latter half of the season.
“I’m just keen to get into it now.”
Even though Venables has planned for this day and dreamed about the moment he may be drafted, it took a while for it to sink in on the night.
“I was in shock to be honest,” he said. “I couldn’t really do anything, it was all out of my control, so it was pretty nerve wracking.
“I’m glad it’s over, and I’m happy that I’ve gone to the Eagles. I didn’t expect to be going there, but I’m so glad they called my name out because they’re a fantastic club.
“To be able to learn off the likes of Sam Mitchell, Matt Priddis and Luke Shuey in the midfield, not many 18 year olds get the opportunity to do that.”
Venables spoke to West Coast’s recruiters three times, but they never let the cat out of the bag that his name was so high on their list.
He had an inkling that he might be heading interstate, but thought the Brisbane Lions were showing the most interest.
The mystery surrounding his selection just made the night all the more special.
“I didn’t know I was going there, so when my name got called out, it was crazy,” Venables said.
Venables’ playing style has often been compared to West Coast forward/midfielder Luke Shuey.
The Vic Metro representative has admired from afar the way Shuey goes about his football.
Lo and behold, Venables will live with Shuey in his first week at the club.
Excited about that possibility, Venables will also get the chance to catch up with former Western Jets’ midfielder Liam Duggan, a first-round draft selection two years ago.
“I’ve met ‘Duggo’ before and he’s an awesome guy,” Venables said. “He’s messaged me already, so I’m pretty keen to get stuck into it and meet all of the boys.”
Being West Coast’s first draft choice, there will be plenty expected of Venables in the west, but he won’t get caught up in external noise.
“It would, obviously, be a dream to play my first game, but I’m not putting any pressure on myself,” he said. “The club has said they’re not putting any pressure on me, they just want me to take my time and do everything I can to get back [to 100 per cent fitness].
“At the moment, I’m just trying to get into the club, earn my respect and take it from there.
“I’ll just provide a tough, competitive person, who will give their all.
“That’s what I’m wanting to prove at the moment, and the rest will come.”
