Adelaide draftee Daniel Curtin says he developed a competitive streak quite quickly as the eldest of two brothers close in age.
And Curtin reckons he’s got his younger brother Cody to thank for that.
The pair, who are two years apart, spent countless hours growing up playing footy or basketball together and that desire to always get better was what helped Curtin become a top-10 draftee.
Curtin’s competitive nature, speed, agility and foot skills were rated so highly by the Crows’ recruiting team that a decision was made to engage in a bold trade with GWS at the AFL National Draft on Tuesday night, securing the young defender.
Speaking to AFC Media on Thursday after being selected by the Crows, Curtin said having a younger brother had helped fuel his competitive nature.
“My little brother, Cody, is 16 and we are really close,” Curtin said.
“We are pretty competitive, which is always good fun.
“I think the competitiveness between us has really helped me with my footy.
“Even if it’s just playing a bit of basketball at the park, he’s definitely been a big drive for my hunger to want to be competitive and get the best out of myself at whatever I am doing.”
At Monday night’s Draft, the Giants were on the clock with Pick No.8, before agreeing to a bold trade with the Crows.
Adelaide gave up Pick No.11, 15 and a future second-rounder, in exchange for Pick No.8 and 17.
The Crows then used Pick No.8 to select Curtin.
“It’s been pretty cool and doesn’t feel completely real,” Curtin said.
“It felt so surreal and I kind of felt like I was in a 2K NBA game - it was a funny feeling."
Curtin says he cannot wait to start training with his new teammates.
“The dream was to play AFL and I’m finally here so I’m really happy,” Curtin said.
“I have had a lot of messages from my new teammates and a few social media interactions, so I’m already feeling really welcomed.
“I am a very hardworking, disciplined and positive person and I’ll just be putting my best foot forward.
“I am just so keen to get to Adelaide and meet everyone and get started with pre-season.”