When Michael Talia was announced by the Western Bulldogs as their second round pick in last Thursday’s AFL Draft, the 18 year-old from Greenvale realized a life-long dream to join the Club he grew-up supporting.

The grandson of Bulldogs premiership player Harvey Stevens, Talia’s selection sees him become the second-generation of his family to come to the Whitten Oval.

“To be drafted to a club that you’ve gone for your whole life… to put on a Bulldogs jumper is just a dream come true,” said Talia.

Talia’s grandfather was a pivotal member of the Bulldogs’ 1954 premiership side and was the Club’s best and fairest winner in 1957.

“He was in tears over the phone [on Thursday night],” said Talia, who was joined at home by 50 family and friends to watch the draft.

Last Friday, Skills Development Coach Rohan Smith went out to Talia’s family home to welcome the new Bulldog to the Club.

Smith spoke to Talia for BulldogsTV, to watch the interview click on the media player above.