Six months ago, new Crow Mitch McGovern was playing amateur football in Perth.

McGovern, 20, was on the comeback trail from a stress reaction in his foot, which limited him to a solitary quarter of footy in 2013.

The athletic forward returned in the reserves with WAFL club, Claremont, early this season but after another minor injury hiccup went back to the Wembley Football Club in the West Australian Amateur League.

“The foot injury ruled me out for pretty much the whole of 2013 and my recovery and rehabilitation took me into this year, so I started this season pretty underdone,” McGovern told afc.com.au.

“I played my first game back for the Claremont reserves in Round Four this year, but hurt myself again. I came back through the amateurs at Wembley about a month later and worked my way back up to Claremont’s league side and, fortunately, managed to string together a few good games.”

McGovern played 11 games for Claremont’s league side, showcasing his agility, neat skills and high-marking ability. The 191cm, 82kg, goalkicker impressed enough in those few months to earn an invitation to the AFL Draft Combine in October. He enhanced his draft credentials at Etihad Stadium by finishing top 10 in both the running vertical jump and kicking test.

On Thursday night, McGovern’s rapid rise had its steepest upturn yet when he was selected by Adelaide with pick No.43 in the AFL National Draft on the Gold Coast.

“It just feels surreal. This time last year, I never would’ve dreamed of this happening,” McGovern said.

“I’m almost speechless. It’s unbelievable and still quite overwhelming.”

A late-developer, McGovern only decided to pursue an AFL career seriously two years ago.

With the encouragement of his father, Andrew, who played for Fremantle and Sydney, McGovern moved from his family home in Albany to Perth.

The laidback country kid was given further inspiration to realise his AFL dream when older brother, Jeremy, started to make his mark at West Coast. Jeremy made his AFL debut this season, playing a total of 13 games after being rookie-listed by the Eagles at the end of 2010.

“It was my old man’s influence that really encouraged me,” McGovern said.

“He played for Fremantle and Sydney in his heyday and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Also, with ‘Jezza’ going so well after moving to Perth, it gave me the confidence to try to strive to do the same.

“Dad is just stoked now and Jezza is very excited for me too.”

McGovern watched the Draft on TV at home with his family, who have since relocated to Perth, and close friends. This followed a long day at work in his role as a credit officer.

“I didn’t get much sleep the night before the Draft and it was a nerve-wracking day at work. I was in front of a computer screen all day, watching the clock until I could leave,” he said.

“I had a little chat with work during the day about what would happen if I got drafted. They got me to sign my letter of resignation pretty much then and there. I think they were trying to get me out the door! I would’ve been on my hands and knees praying they’d take me back if I’d missed out.

“No, they’re very happy and excited for me, and hoping it all works out.”

McGovern was anxious leading into the Draft, and felt an enormous sense of relief and excitement when his name was read out by the Crows in the third round.

“When my name was called out, there was a lot of screaming and tears of joy,” he said.

“I had plenty of family and close friends around congratulating me, and I received phone calls from Nathan van Berlo and (coach) Phil Walsh as well, which was very exciting.”

McGovern and van Berlo share a common bond as the only to West Australians on Adelaide’s list. Rookie Charlie Cameron was recruited from WAFL club, Swan Districts, last year, but was born and raised in Queensland.

“I just got off the phone to ‘VB’ and he said he was looking forward to meeting me. He gave me the rundown on Adelaide. We’ll have two WA boys at the Club, which will be good,” McGovern said.

McGovern is an untapped talent considering his background and limited exposure at senior level.

He has the versatility to play at either end of the ground, but sees himself as a third tall forward who “doesn’t mind jumping at the footy”.

“I think I’ve got an enormous amount of development still left in me,” he said.

“I came in quite underdone this year and still managed to play some decent footy and get interest from recruiters. Now, that I’m going to Adelaide and can get a full AFL pre-season under my belt I think the sky’s the limit.

“I’m just really looking forward to getting started with the Adelaide Footy Club.”

McGovern becomes the fourth current Crow with a brother in the AFL system behind teammates Brad and Matt Crouch, and defender Daniel Talia, whose brother Michael is at the Western Bulldogs.