North Adelaide’s Connor Rozee gets to live the dream by joining Port Adelaide

First there was an under-18 national title for SA, then a SANFL league premiership with North Adelaide and now Connor Rozee has been drafted by hometown club Port Adelaide.

Gold Coast’s Jack Lukosius and Izak Rankine with Port’s Connor Rozee. Picture: Michael Klein

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For Connor Rozee, things come in threes. First there was an AFL under-18 national title for South Australia, then a SANFL league premiership with North Adelaide and now he has been drafted by hometown AFL club Port Adelaide.

“It’s just amazing, I can’t believe it,’’ Rozee said last might after being selected by the Power with pick five at the draft.

“They do say things run in threes and it’s just a great feeling to not only get drafted but also get the chance to stay at home.

A taste of what to expect from our #5 pick, Connor Rozee 💫 #AFLDraft #weareportadelaide pic.twitter.com/pVb9gtQ9eT

— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) November 22, 2018

“It really is a dream come true, I’m over the moon and actually lost for words.

“Coming into this year I had to open my mind that I was probably going to be moving interstate so to end up at home, alongside with my family and friends, and to play at such a good football club I’m just so excited to get going.

“I think I got pretty lucky with Port moving up the draft order and to get the chance to stay in Adelaide.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better year and a better ending — to be able to play AFL football in my home State.’’

Port Adelaide's pick number 5 Connor Rozee (right) poses with Gavin Wanganeen during the 2018 NAB AFL Draft at Marvel Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

Rozee, 18 and an athletic swingman, was the only Croweater taken by an SA club in the first round of the draft at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium last night.

SA under-18 teammates Jack Lukosius and Izak Rankine went to Gold Coast at picks two and three and Jackson Hately to GWS at 14.

Rozee said he spoke to Port at length before the draft but suspected he was a chance to go St Kilda, the club he has long supported, at pick four.

“St Kilda showed a fair bit of interest in me, so I was a little bit iffy with that pick, but once I got past the Saints I was quietly confident,’’ he said.

“And when Port read my name out I was over the moon. I’m looking forward to working under Ken (coach Ken Hinkley) and can’t wait to get started on Monday.’’

Hinkley was ecstatic with Rozee’s selection and believes the athletic utility with speed, skill and high-leaping ability is a chance to step straight into AFL football.

Rozee starts his AFL career at home with @PAFC! #AFLDraft pic.twitter.com/NALRZq7ZSe

— SANFL (@SANFL) November 22, 2018

Central District’s Hately, who had been linked to the Power, said he was happy to join a strong team like the Giants and help a midfield that has lost stars Dylan Shiel (Essendon) and Tom Scully (Hawthorn).

“There could be some spots open iup there, so we’ll see what happens,’’ he said.

“There is still some great mids there that I can learn from to improve my game.

“I’m just going to focus on pre-season, work hard and try to get better every day.

“I’m just pumped to be there and to get a shot at playing AFL.’’