Ben Cavarra knows the highs and lows of the AFL draft period well.
The promising mature-aged forward was selected by the Western Bulldogs with pick 45 in Friday’s NAB National Draft. It was his sixth time nominating.
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“I’ve been through the disappointment and the heartache of missing out (on previous drafts) before. This was my sixth time applying.” Cavarra told SEN’s Time On program.
“It was a very long process, but I greatly appreciate this opportunity and I’ve expressed that to the Bulldogs and I’m really looking forward to getting started.
“I’ve been waiting for this for a very long time, so I’m not going to let it slip.”
Cavarra has conceded that although he has been disheartened at times over the journey, he has never been prepared to give up on his dream.
“I believe I’m good enough, I believe I deserve an opportunity and I believe it’s going to happen,” said Cavarra.
“I feel that’s part of my message and part of my story – to be resilient and to persevere until it happens.”
Cavarra knew he had to add another string to his bow to attract the attention of AFL scouts, so transitioned from a midfielder to a small forward.
The former Morrish Medal winner (Eastern Ranges in 2013) was selected in the VFL Team of the Year in consecutive seasons (2017 and 2018) while playing for Williamstown.
He kicked 66 goals in his last two seasons and claimed the Seagulls’ leading goalkicker award in 2017 and 2018.
“It’s been a long journey to come to this stage and when it happened (being drafted) I felt a mix of excitement, relief and nervous energy - it was the whole lot,” he said.
“I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs and it makes you really appreciate the situation that you’ve been put in. Not just for myself but for my family to be there at the same time, it was very special.”
