Despite final exam preparations and the excitement of graduating year 12, Daniel Pearce’s mind continued to drift back to the 2011 AFL National Draft as he awaited his fate. 

The rebounding defender had met with a number of clubs in the lead up to draft day but it wasn’t until his name was called out with the Western Bulldogs third round selection [pick 49 overall]that his family erupted with excitement. 

“It was an interesting process, you know, sort of going through year 12 and exams finishing so you are getting quite excited about that,” Pearce said. 

“[I] met with a few clubs and the Bulldogs I had two interviews with so was just a really exciting time.

“Tried to block it out as much as I could, but it always still creeps in whatever you do.”

Eager to begin his AFL journey, Pearce arrived at Whitten Oval for his first training session more than an hour before it was scheduled to start but walking through the doors captain Matthew Boyd was still there to greet him. 

“[It was] very nerve-racking, I think I got here at about 7 o’clock in the morning and training didn’t start until 8:30 so I was sitting in my car for a little bit,” he said. 

“I remember walking through those doors and Matt Boyd was sitting there and he took me in for the first time and saw the locker rooms and what not, yeah it was great.”

Sharing his wisdom for the future draftees - set to be announced on Thursday night at the 2012 AFL National Draft - the 19 year old said to enjoy the once in a lifetime experience. 

“Just get to know everyone as soon as possible, everyone here is really welcoming and what not, so you will feel like you are part of the Club on your first day - so just enjoy it,” he said.