Dylan Buckley hopes he can be the small forward the GIANTS have been searching for after landing at the club in the NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

The 24-year-old played just 39 games in five seasons at Carlton, but the son of Blues great Jimmy Buckley says he feels invigorated by opportunity to kick-start his career at the GIANTS.

Buckley has been told by his new coach Leon Cameron the club sees him as a forward who applies plenty of pressure.

"I feel like with my attributes (the small forward role) suits me perfectly," Buckley told SEN on Tuesday.

"I think for me it is really just honing down on my craft and trying to fit a certain role, not just trying to get into a team.

"I've come up here to play a role for the team, but I'll do whatever they what me to do and do my best at it."

Buckley never really settled in a position at Ikon Park, constantly switching between half-back, the wing and the forward line, and he concedes that may have played a part in why the Blues never saw him play consistently at his best.

Until the GIANTS came calling with pick 15 in Monday's rookie draft, Buckley was planning for life after footy.

Labouring with friends and exploring opportunities in the media will now be put on hold as he joins a club in a premiership window.

"I wasn't too sure (what my future held) – I was always hopeful (I'd get another chance)," Buckley said.

"I've just been working with mates preparing for life after footy.

"I wasn't really too sure about my future, but I couldn't be happier with the result.

"I'm so thankful and grateful for the opportunity to be up here."