Essendon’s first pick in the 2009 National Draft, Jake Melksham, says he wants to make his senior debut in Round 1 of the 2010 season.
The pick No.10 knows he has plenty of hard work to do and is counting down the minutes to start training.
""I haven't sat down and thought of too many goals but I want to debut in my first season as early as possible, Round 1 whatever it may be,"" he said.
""This is dream come true. I have been waiting for this day for the last few years.""
To watch the Melksham media conference click here.
The 185cm, 75kg midfielder says he is excited to be drafted by the Bombers - the club his dad supports - after previously supporting North Melbourne.
""It's a young list and it fits my category so it will be good to get down there and get to know the players and try and fit in as best I can and start training,"" he said.
""Dinner time yesterday (Wednesday) I got a phone call off my manager who said you might be a Bombers player in a day's time but I didn't get my hopes up and didn't tell anyone. I kept my lips sealed and didn't tell anyone so that everyone was pretty psyched when they heard it.""
The 18-year-old Calder Cannons star said the speculation leading up to the draft had been intense.
""I have tried to keep myself busy and I had exams so that took my mind off things a bit and that helped,"" he said.
""I have just tried to keep myself occupied for the past few weeks. I didn't really get nervous until a few days ago.""
An AIS-AFL Academy graduate, Melksham represented Vic Metro at the 2009 NAB AFL U18 Championships, during which he averaged 18 possessions per match and ranked second overall for Vic Metro for score assists and clearances (behind Tom Scully).
