Josh Worrell dreamed for years about being drafted to an AFL side.

Sitting with his family and friends at home in Victoria, the 19-year-old was showered in hugs when his named was called at pick No. 28 in the 2019 draft.

Speaking to AFC Media on his first day at West Lakes, Worrell described the moment as a mix of excitement and relief.

“It was pretty amazing,” Worrell said.

“I had my girlfriend, then obviously my family (with me). 

“My two older brothers, my younger brother, my mum and dad and then some close mates.

“I’ve watched the video back and it was almost a sense of relief, it’s finally come.”

Worrell was thrilled to have his friends and family “get around him” following the years of work put in for AFL selection. 

“I think it was pretty exciting for me in the sense that you’ve been waiting two years for this moment and you’ve put in a lot of hard work,” Worrell said.

“It was a pretty amazing experience, had some mates there who are a bit younger but in a similar position. 

“I think knowing how much work I’ve put in they’re able to show gratitude, they got around me for it.”

Worrell was picked up on day two of the draft, giving him a nervous wait when the first night wrapped up.

“You know in your head you’ve got to wait a whole other day when the draft starts up again,” Worrell said.

“When it got to pick 28, I think I knew I was a bit of a sniff just because I had so many interviews with Adelaide throughout the year.”