Draftee Sam McLarty spoke with Collingwood Media a short time after he was recruited to Collingwood with pick No. 30 in Friday's National Draft.

McLarty, 18, was the Magpies' first choice in Friday's meeting.

How does he feel?
"It’s surreal. It’s a tremendous honour to be a part of the biggest club in Australia and I can’t wait to get stuck into it.

"To be honest, I didn’t have any expectations. I was just hoping to have a good night and if the best case scenario came to fruition, I would be wrapt. I’m over the moon. I am really grateful for the faith the club has put in me."

Is he a Collingwood supporter?
"By nature I’m a Cats fan, but you know what? I’ve turned those stripes around and turned them Black and White."

Who was at his house this evening?
"The mood is unreal. It feels like a bit of a dream. I have our family and our close family friends here, and when my name got called out everyone pretty much lost the plot. We had a few people come over and we’re just over the moon."

What position does he play?
"I’m a bit of a swingman. I can play at both ends of the ground and I’m quite competitive, I think. I’ll be giving everything for the Collingwood Football Club. Whatever supporters see, that will be my best."

How does he assess his season?
"I had an up and down year at Oakleigh, and had a few injuries, but I’m lost for words. I get to go to the biggest club in Australia with arguably the best fan base as well. Oakleigh has been really, really good for me and I’m so grateful for the support they have given me through all the highs and lows. I am so grateful to everyone."

What was life like away from football in 2016?
"I went to Yarra Valley Grammar (where McLarty was school captain this year). I am incredibly grateful for the support the school has given me. They have been tremendous with what they have done. They are a great organisation and I am really thankful for the school. I actually grew up on the same road as Tom Phillips; I could even go to his house now if I wanted to. I played junior football for Beverley Hills and am immensely grateful for what they did for me. They gave me unbelievable support."

Does he have any other Collingwood connections?
I played at Oakleigh with ‘Joshy Daics’ and at Vic Metro with both him and Callum Brown. I also played against them when I was at Beverley Hills and they were at Bulleen; we actually had a bit of a rivalry as teams, but we are wearing the same colours now.

What happens next?
I’ve had a call from both Eddie McGuire and Nathan Buckley and my head is just spinning. I couldn’t believe it. They just welcomed me to the club and said it would be challenging but the rewards would be worth it. I can’t wait to get stuck into it.