Adelaide recruit Sid Draper felt a flurry of emotions upon hearing his name called at the 2024 Telstra AFL National Draft.

And one thing the 18-year-old is certain of is how much pride he has being selected by his boyhood Club.

“It means so much to me to wear this jumper,” Draper told the media at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday night.

“(It’s) the team that I’ve supported for so long and my family has, so we’re all just so excited, happy and grateful.

“It was a bit of a blur, (but) I do remember the emotions of excitement, joy, a bit of relief, all of those.”

Adelaide selected Draper with Pick No.4 on night one of the draft.

The 182cm South Adelaide midfielder was touted as one of the most explosive players in this year’s draft, with top-end speed and power to match his ball-winning ability.

Draper captained South Adelaide’s under-18 team to the premiership, was named MVP of  SA’s under-18 team and made the under-18 All-Australian team as a bottom-age player.

He also featured in six League games for the Panthers, averaging 22 disposals and five clearances.

The on-baller’s standout 2024 campaign didn’t come without hardship, as Draper worked through injury setbacks after copping knocks to his shin and back.

But with the injuries now behind him Draper was keen to learn from two Crows stars in particular, as he looked to put his best foot forward at his new Club.

“I think the obvious one is (Jordan) Dawson,” Draper said.

“He’s such a professional player and such a champion of the game. I spent a week with the Crows earlier this year and he was someone I looked up to, so it will be awesome to meet him and get to know him a bit more.

“Taylor Walker as well, he’s such an experienced player and he has such a wealth of knowledge so I’ll just be able to pick his brain.

“I have to work hard and earn the respect of my teammates and coaches to even be able to think of that (running out on Adelaide Oval) … but it would feel absolutely unreal for me and my family.”