If you had told Marcus Bontempelli during the middle of the year that he would wind up at the Western Bulldogs after being selected with pick No. 4 in the NAB AFL Draft, he wouldn't have believed you.
As was a theme during his season, Bontempelli charged in to the frame late in the year.
However, the Bulldogs always had a close eye on him and were confident they could land their man.
It was just a matter of where in the draft pool.
"He's been on the radar since last year when he won an AIS scholarship and his footy last year was pretty good," Bulldogs list manager Simon Dalrymple told AFL.com.au.
"But he went to the next level this year. His rate of improvement from the start of the year to the end of the season is something that I haven't seen in my 15 years or so of watching TAC Cup footy."
The morning after the draft, Bontempelli happily soaked up the Gold Coast sunshine with his fellow draftees, and of course, his family.
When his time came to speak to the media, he reflected on the tremendous support he had received during a hectic year.
"It's a fun experience. It's a bit of a rollercoaster ride throughout the year and it's great to have my family here and the support of all my friends to get me through that," Bontempelli said.
Set to turn 18 on Sunday, Bontempelli will attend the Bulldogs' induction day on his birthday before launching into training with his new teammates on Monday.
He doesn't have his licence yet so his mum, Geraldine, might be called on to drive him to and from training.
Bontempelli has already established a rapport with coach Brendan McCartney – who has taken an instant liking to his young protégé.
"When he came to my house earlier in the year and what I've had to do with him the last couple of weeks, he connects really well with his players and it's well known how much of a teacher he is," Bontempelli said.
"I've really felt that connection and I can't wait to go further on to the season with him."
Importantly, Bontempelli already has links with fellow Bulldogs youngster, Nathan Hrovat, with whom he played at the Northern Knights in 2012.
The tall midfielder is confident the young Bulldogs are building something special.
"We've got a good young list and it's really developing – and I think we're just going to go boom next year," Bontempelli said.
