Ex-Central District draftee Aaron Nietschke meets Hollywood star Natalie Portman in first week at Melbourne Demons
A former Central District youngster met a Hollywood star during his first week at as an AFL player.
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AARON Nietschke met a Hollywood star during his first week at an AFL club, but the new Melbourne draftee was more focused on training drills than the actor.
Academy Award winner Natalie Portman watched the Demons’ session at Gosch’s Paddock on Wednesday because she was in Australia for a friend’s wedding.
But Nietschke, who Melbourne drafted from Central District with pick No.53 this month, was focused on earning respect of new teammates rather than Portman.
“(Coach) Simon Goodwin did a small introduction with her (Portman) before training,” Nietschke, 18, says.
“But I didn’t talk to her and other than that, didn’t really know she was there.
“I wasn’t really watching, I was focusing on training.
“The intensity and skill level are really high and I’m really enjoying it.”
Nietschke, who grew up on his family’s 930ha wheat and sheep farm in the mid-north locality of Hansborough, watched the draft at home with his dad, Kym, and older brother Sam.
He had little indication from the Demons they were keen on selecting him and was shocked when his name was called out.
“We don’t have Foxtel at home, so I was watching it (the draft) on the AFL app,” he says.
“It was pretty exciting.
“I was with Dad and my brother and they were pretty happy – I think Sam was more excited than I was.
“Most of the players messaged me and nine of the coaches rang me after I got drafted.
“They said they were really excited to have me on board.”
The 184cm, 77kg utility featured in SA’s underage national title winning side and was named the SANFL under-18s’ Most Valuable Player.
He averaged 32 disposals, 14 contested possessions and nine marks in eight games for the Bulldogs’ under-18s this year, and also played five reserves and three league matches.
Nietschke is living with Demons teammate Alex Neal-Bullen as he adjusts to life in the big smoke – a far cry from Hansborough, which has just 42 people.
“It is a bit different to home, that’s for sure,” he says.
“But I am not finding it too bad and I’m fitting in pretty well.”
Melbourne’s national recruiting manager Jason Taylor has told the club’s website Nietschke is a versatile player who can play in the midfield or across halfback.
“He’s nice and clean, makes sound decisions, really strong over head and (has) really good endurance,” Taylor says.
Originally published as Ex-Central District draftee Aaron Nietschke meets Hollywood star Natalie Portman in first week at Melbourne Demons