YOU'RE lining up for a new job, fresh from school, and everybody can watch on as your employer decides to hire you.
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It sounds bizarre and the hoopla is a world away from the average mode of joining the workforce, but for those teenagers entering the AFL world it is the system, more formally known as the draft.
On Wednesday night, cameras captured the moment footballing hopefuls from around the country learned which club they would join.
It was broadcast on pay television and streamed, as well as delivered on various websites.
There was added anticipation on the Border with Wodonga's Elijah Hollands among the most lionised group of draft candidates dubbed the fantastic five.
It is a big achievement and reward for the grit shown by a talent who suffered a severe knee injury at the start of 2020.
In congratulating Elijah, it is worth noting our community feels some pride in seeing a young person achieve an ambition.
And while Elijah is being feted in the national spotlight, that does not mean the success of other teenagers through completing year 12 in this COVID-dogged year is not worth saluting.
When students learn of their scores and university placements later this month, families will be celebrating just as much as the Hollands did on Wednesday night.
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Elijah is the highest draftee from the region since Brocklesby's Justin Koschitzke was chosen at No.2 in the 2000 intake.
While there was much interest at the time, there was not the same level of hype, with the draft not conducted in prime time and social media yet to take flight, with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram all to come.
Having grown up with that online wallpaper, Elijah knows no different and also has his father Ben Hollands, a former Richmond player and media relations professional, to turn to for advice.
No doubt there will be challenges, but the first goal has been kicked just by getting into the AFL domain.
