Dean Gore watched AFL Draft at school formal and will now join Geelong

DEAN Gore’s school formal was a night to remember, not only because it marked the end of his time as a secondary school student but he also spent part of the night watching the draft with his family.

29.11.2014. Geelong drafted two South Australians last night - Sturt's Dean Gore and Glenelg's Cory Gregson. They are pictured at Unley Oval. Photo Sam Wundke.

DEAN Gore will always cherish his school formal.

Not only did the event mark the end of his time at Urrbrae Agricultural High, but he spent the night saluting his rise to the AFL.

Gore, 18, left the formal to watch the national draft with his family in a private room at Glenelg’s Jetty Hotel on Thursday night.

The Sturt midfielder returned after Geelong had chosen him with the 55th pick to celebrate with his mates.

ANALYSIS: HOW YOUR CLUB FARED AT THE DRAFT

“It was pretty hectic,” Gore says.

“I had to shoot off from the formal and go watch the draft.

“I got there (the formal) about 8pm.

“My mates were absolutely stoked for me.

“I think they were all watching on their phones and knew the results.

“It was a pretty good night.”

Gore’s selection capped a lifelong dream – and gave him a headstart in a Year 12 poll.

He was voted most likely to be famous in the class of 2014 awards.

“There’s no better feeling.

“Ever since I started playing I’ve always had the dream to make the AFL.

“I’ve been working pretty hard over a long period of time so it’s an amazing feeling to get the result.”

Gore grew up on a 23-acre farm just outside Hahndorf and began his footy journey at the Hahndorf Magpies.

After thriving on the physical side of the game and often playing on muddy ovals, he unsurprisingly developed into a big-bodied ball winner.

This past season Gore, who stands 183cm and 86kg, played 12 league games for the Double Blues.

“Playing against all those big bodies really helped me I reckon and helped me develop my game.

“That’ll hold me in good stead.”

It did not take long for the reality of Gore’s new life to start sinking in on draft night.

Geelong captain Joel Selwood called him moments after he was selected and Gore also received text messages from about 15 Cats players.

“It’s pretty surreal. I can’t wait to get over there.”

Gore’s state under-18 teammate Cory Gregson, a flashy Glenelg half-forward, will join him at the Cats.

Originally published as Dean Gore watched AFL Draft at school formal and will now join Geelong