“It doesn’t feel like it has happened.”
That’s the reaction of Northern Knights’ Tyrone Leonardis just hours after being drafted by the Sydney Swans.
The Bundoora resident had a football season that he didn’t expect in his wildest dreams and Tuesday night was the icing the cake.
The Swans selected the Knights defender with pick 51.
After aiming to play just a few games for the Knights this year, Leonardis will soon find himself mixing it with Lance Franklin and Josh Kennedy.
“I’m over the moon,” he told the Star Weekly.
“It still doesn’t feel like it has happened.
“I had a couple of meetings with them at home and at the combine, but you don’t know what is going to happen.
“It’s definitely icing on the cake.”
Leonardis was surrounded by family members when he heard the news he would be leaving Victoria.
“My whole family jumped on top of me when it was announced,” he said.
“Mum was a bit upset as I’m moving interstate, but she’s really excited for me to achieve my dream.”
Leonardis’ phone has been running hot since the news that his AFL dream has come true.
Among those to be in contact are fellow draftees Jade Gresham and Brayden Fiorini.
“We messaged each other saying congratulations,” Leonardis said.
“It feels really good that we’ve all been drafted, as we have gone through everything together. We are pretty much best friends.”
Leonardis will catch up with the Swans in the coming days to work out when he moves to the harbour state.
“I’ve received a couple of messages from Swans players which doesn’t seem right.
“I’m still trying to get it through my head I’ve been drafted.”
