Irishman Setanta O'hAilpin is "hell bent" on making the most of his second chance after he was picked up by Greater Western Sydney in Thursday night's NAB AFL Draft.
Let go by Carlton last month following eight years and 80 games, O'hAilpin was confident of being thrown a lifeline by another team.
But the 28-year-old had no idea where he would end up and was thrilled when Giants list manager Steve Silvagni called.
There was a huge roar in the room when O'hAilpin's name was read out with pick 79.
"I was having dinner with my girlfriend and got a phone call from Steve Silvagni," O'hAilpin told AFL.com.au.
"I was excited to get another opportunity, especially at a new club.
"I was confident in getting picked up, but I didn't know who it was going to be.
"GWS really seemed keen, so I was very happy. You don't get many opportunities like this."
O'hAilpin was at the Giants' family day in Blacktown on Sunday, where he and his new - predominantly young - teammates mingled with fans.
The Irishman said it was a great time to be joining the AFL's 18th club.
"There's a lot of kids here and it's going to be great watching them develop," he said.
"The next few years will be a learning experience and I'm sure after that we'll take the AFL by storm."
O'hAilpin played predominantly as a forward at Carlton, but with top draft pick Jonathon Patton, Israel Folau and Jeremy Cameron all vying for spots in attack, competition will be fierce at GWS.
However, O'hAilpin is prepared to play anywhere at his new home.
"To get this opportunity, I'll be hell bent on making the most of it," he said.
"I'll be training as hard as I can in the pre-season and I'll be ready to rock.
"I'm happy to play anywhere 'Sheeds' (coach Kevin Sheedy) puts me.
"Up forward, in the ruck or down back, I don't mind."
 

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For more information on the NAB AFL Draft, click here.

James Dampney AFL.com