There are a plethora of emotions that any draft prospect will go through, as they watch on and wait to see if their dreams will become reality.
A combination of excitement, anticipation, nerves and patience are required, while clubs sift through the draft pool in search of their next superstar.
The experience was no different for West Australian prospect Renee Morgan, who had to wait until the middle of the third round to hear her name called out.
But any worries were quickly dispelled for Morgan, creating a moment with her friends and family that she will remember forever.
Renee Morgan spoke with Cats Media on her first day at the club. Proudly Presented by Ford and Deakin University.
“It was a pretty long wait, watching the draft for about two and a half hours,” Morgan told Cats Media.
“I was super excited for Evie [Cowcher] and all the other girls, but I was just watching at home with my family.
“It was getting towards the end, so I was feeling pretty nervous but when my name got called out, it was so special.
“Some of my friends were actually camping out the front in their car watching it, hoping and as soon as it happened, they surprised me and burst through the gate.
“It was such a special moment, I can’t describe anything like it.”
The ecstasy and elation of her draft moment created a memory that will last a lifetime, but for Morgan it was a very quick turnaround to commence her new life.
Less than 12 hours after finding out that she was joining the Cats, the club’s newest draftee was on a flight across the Nullarbor in preparation for her first day in Geelong.
“It is pretty surreal,” Morgan said.
“I got on the flight the day after the draft, a 7:45 am flight so they don’t mess around.
“They got me here straight away, but it was so exciting to see it all in person and be able to see the boys as well, it is pretty cool.
“Getting to meet a lot of the girls too, they are all super friendly so I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
A talented midfielder out of South Fremantle, Morgan was described as one of the most balanced players in the draft crop, with an ability to impact the game both on offence and defence.
Reminiscing on her initial conversations with the Cats, Morgan also noted that some conversations with new head coach, Mick Stinear were vital in the lead up to the draft.
“I had a meeting with Geelong in April, after one of the All Stars games against the National Academy at Marvel Stadium,” Morgan said.
“But it was a 20-minute interview, so there wasn’t much said. But then I heard from them again the Friday before the draft, I had a quick interview then.
“I had been meeting a little bit with Mick Stinear at Melbourne, so I knew that he was pretty interested and I was excited when he got the role as the head coach here.
“So I thought maybe I could be a chance to land here, but I am so excited to be working with him as well.”
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