Yestin Eades had never seen snow before he moved to Ballarat at the end of last year.

It was a harsh introduction for the West Australian native.

But while the temperature fell, his form flourished, culminating in the 2015 AFL Draft where he was selected by Essendon with the 64^th selection overall.

“Yestin’s a really outstanding story,” North Ballarat Rebels Talent Manager Phil Partington told Inside Football.

“To come across last August from WA in trying circumstances and for him to develop as a person and a footballer has been a great story for the AFL and also Yestin.”

Eades is a small forward who boarded at St Patrick’s College and played for North Ballarat this year.

He also represented Vic Country at the National Championships.

“Football wise he has elite GPS results, by far the best of any Vic Country player with his intensity, his running and speed,” Partington said.

“He makes things happen when the ball’s around him. 

“Played a VFL game for the Roosters and received two Liston Trophy votes for that game. 

“His high ball drop can cause him to shank a few but he is a talented young man.”