Eagles product Caleb Poulter reveals details about phone chat with Eddie McGuire on draft night
Eagles product Caleb Poulter got a sudden call from Collingwood’s top boss after the Pies selected him on AFL Draft night.
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Caleb Poulter had no idea AFL heavyweight Collingwood was interested in recruiting him.
The Woodville-West Torrens gun said the Magpies played their cards close to their chest, making it a huge surprise when they called his name with pick No. 30 at Wednesday’s AFL National draft.
The next few minutes were a blur but what surprised the versatile youngster even more was receiving a phone call from Collingwood president Eddie McGuire shortly after being drafted.
“I had a fair few double meetings with other clubs but I only met with Collingwood once,” Poulter, 18, said.
“It was a surprise to me but I couldn’t be more excited they picked me.
“I spoke to Eddie McGuire on the phone and it was really good to get that support from day one.
“The phone call with Eddie was amazing, he just congratulated me and said he was very excited for me to be at Collingwood.
“He said to me my home deck is now the MCG and he’s really looking forward to working with me and the other new draftees.”
Poulter was one of 14 SANFL players to be selected at the AFL National Draft one Wednesday, before another seven received AFL homes at Thursday’s the rookie draft.
The rising star was also one of five Eagles players selected by AFL clubs.
He said his past two days had been a whirlwind, after Collingwood recruiters got him on a plane to Melbourne less than 24 hours after his AFL dream came true.
“It’s been a very surreal experience so far,” the 192cm and 80kg midfielder/forward said.
“I got my name called out at about 9.15pm on Wednesday, then I ended up getting on a plane at 12.55pm the next day.
“I’m living with Jack Crisp and his family at the moment and I am really enjoying it.
“It’s been an amazing experience so far and Collingwood a great club and I am really looking forward to being part of it.”
Poulter is not only known for his booming left foot kick, clean hands and tackling — but also for his hair and bright boots.
He has been growing the back of his hair for the past two-and-a half years and has kept the sides and front short.
The Henley High graduate also wore bright yellow boots this season, but donned a pink and yellow pair in October’s SA under-18 all-stars game, featuring some of the state’s best draft prospects.
Although Poulter isn’t keen on cutting the mullet or wearing plain boots anytime soon, he says he is fully focused on becoming the best he can be with the Magpies.
“I had my mullet in front of the boys (at training) and the bright boots — I think that’s definitely a trademark and that it’s part of me, so I wouldn’t want to change that,” he said.
“But obviously it’s all about footy now.
“I’m really looking forward to next year and hopefully the black and white have a bit of success.”
Originally published as Eagles product Caleb Poulter reveals details about phone chat with Eddie McGuire on draft night
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