FORMER Yarrawonga and Wangaratta Rovers player Zac O’Brien has described his selection by Brisbane in yesterday’s AFL rookie draft as “the best day of my life”.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Only two years after departing the J.C. Lowe Oval, the classy on-baller was snapped up by the Lions with pick No. 23 after impressing in his 12 senior appearances for VFL club Essendon this season.
The Bombers and Gold Coast also had O’Brien on their radars.
“It’s a great opportunity,” O’Brien said.
“It all started when I played for Aberfeldie last year with Hayden Skipworth who was helping with some coaching at Essendon.
“He told me to come for a run with Essendon’s VFL side and I was lucky enough to get on the list.
“Brisbane, Essendon and Gold Coast had a look at me during the season and nominated me for state screening and it’s all gone from there really.
“Then Brisbane rang me 40 minutes before the rookie draft today and said I was in the mix.
“They didn’t make promises, but told me to watch.
“It’s unbelievable really, the best day of my life.”
O’Brien, 23, rocketed up the pecking order by winning Aberfeldie’s best and fairest last year and followed it up with some outstanding performances for Essendon as a midfielder.
A 14.3 beep test at the state screening further boosted his chances.
O’Brien expects to move to Queensland later this week to start training.
“From what they said they are keen to get me up there and playing senior footy,” he said.
“There are a few spots up for grabs with all the changes and Simon Black retiring and hopefully I can work myself into it.”
O’Brien said his days in the O &M had helped groom him for a shot at the highest level.
“My cousin Jeremy helped me a lot, Craig (Ednie) was great when he coached and Chris Kennedy was good as well,” he said.
