Mountford's dedication rewarded in draft

Declan Mountford's childhood dream of playing AFL football moved a step closer on Tuesday when the talented midfielder was selected by North Melbourne with pick 60 in the NAB AFL Draft.

After carving out an impressive season at WAFL level where he played colts and senior football for Claremont and five games in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, Mountford became the latest player in a long list of recent Great Southern draftees.

The 18-year-old is the 10th Great Southern footballer to be drafted into the AFL since 2009, when the Fremantle Dockers recruited Lake Grace star Nat Fyfe.

Mountford's selection continues his original club North Albany's incredible run of recent draftees, joining Mitch McGovern (2014), Josh Bootsma (2011), Marley Williams (2011) and Jeremy McGovern (2010).

Mountford had to endure some nervous moments as the draft neared completion in Adelaide with clubs beginning to pass in their late order selections.

However, with selection 60, the Kangaroos' fifth pick in the national draft, Mountford's hard work and dedication were rewarded.

"Hearing my named called out was just unreal. It was a dream come true," he said.

"It was pretty nerve-wracking as I was one of the last picks called out.

"I'm just honoured to get an opportunity to play at the highest level - it's absolutely awesome."

The Kangaroos had shown interest in Mountford from the outset and were impressed by his testing at the NAB AFL Draft combine, where he finished with six top-10 performances.

"I met with them twice, but that doesn't mean anything until they call your name," he said.

"North Melbourne have a good up-and-coming list and this is a great opportunity I have been given.

"I have made a lot of sacrifices this year and it's all happened pretty quickly, but hopefully this is the start of a long career and I can get the best out of myself.

"Footy has always been my favourite sport and to play AFL - that's the dream. It's another challenge and I am really looking forward to what it brings."

Mountford left his family farm in Manypeaks yesterday and flew to Melbourne this morning before he will link up with his new Kangaroos teammates at a training camp in Utah this week.