Sam Ramsay hasn’t wasted any time getting used to life in the AFL
Within a minute of being drafted Sam Ramsay had Carlton coach David Teague on the phone and less than 24 hours later was running out onto Princes Park. At least he had a familiar face joining him in navy blue
Local Footy
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There was no easing into AFL life for Carlton draftee Sam Ramsay.
A minute after being snapped up at pick No.47 in the national draft Ramsay was on the phone to new coach David Teague.
Less than 24 hours later, the Gisborne native was at Princes Park for a tour of his new home and his first training session.
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The Calder Cannons’ best-and-fairest winner was soon in full pre-season mode, training alongside idol and Blues captain Patrick Cripps.
“I got picked on the Thursday night and walked straight in on Friday,” Ramsay said.
“I got a call from Teaguey and I’ve chatted to him multiple times at the club, he’s really friendly and really approachable.
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“It was a bit surreal … I’ve looked up to (Cripps) for the last couple of years, so to train alongside him is awesome.
“After my first training session I came home and just went straight to sleep.”
But Ramsay did have a familiar face at his new club, with Maribyrnong College schoolmate Josh Honey selected at No.3 in the rookie draft.
Ramsay was one of six players drafted by Carlton, joining Honey, Brodie Kemp, Sam Philp, Fraser Phillips and Jack Martin.
Despite missing out on Vic Metro selection, Ramsay was rewarded for his blistering second half of the NAB League season as he averaged 29 disposals and five tackles after Round 8.
“When it comes down to it, it was his form at the end of the year where he showed what he’s capable of,” Carlton list manager Stephen Silvagni told the club’s website.
“Sam does a lot of things really well, he gets involved offensively, has good speed and gets his hands dirty.”
Calder talent manager Tom Lonergan said Ramsay’s Robert Hyde Medal win perfectly illustrated his season and potential.
“It doesn’t matter if you miss out on Vic Metro selection, there’s still opportunities if you’re prepared to put in the work,” Lonergan said.
“To give you an idea of how he was going, he had nine votes in our best-and-fairest to Round 8 and won it with 99 – that’s how good his back half was.”
The 18-year-old always believed he was capable of playing at the highest level.
“I always thought I could get (drafted) but I had to put the performances up, which I probably hadn’t done to that point,” Ramsay said.
“I knew if I put the performances in I’d get an opportunity. I was over the moon. It’s been a dream of mine for a long time.
“My first goal is just to earn the respect of the playing group.
“Hopefully I can play senior footy as soon as I can but when it’s right for me.”
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