Before Turvey Park junior Patrick Voss' selection by Essendon via the rookie list on Friday, his mother Maryanne was immersed in her usual routine, doing bus duty for The Riverina Anglican College.
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Then her phone rang.
"I'm a Bomber," her 18-year-old son told her as a normal day became one of the best the family will have.
A versatile player who can play anywhere from up forward, in defence or in the midfield, the 193cm teenager was disappointed after he was overlooked in the second round of the draft on Thursday.
But a phone call from Bombers recruitment boss Adrian Dodoro just before Friday afternoon's rookie draft reignited belief he would be chosen, before he was taken as ninth pick.
"It was very exciting, I didn't really expect it today but it's life changing," Voss said.
"I think we're going down on Sunday (to start training on Monday) and have got three weeks before Christmas.
"He (Dodoro) didn't really tell me (I'd be picked) but he sort of hinted at it so it was good signs. I was just hoping for it and when I heard my name I was pretty happy.
"With a rookie contract it's probably pretty unlikely I'll play AFL next year, if I'm training well I might but I'm just looking to develop and get the best out of myself."
"It's good to get into the system, that's always been the goal as a junior and it starts now. I can't wait.
Voss started playing football at The Rock-Yerong Creek before moving to Turvey Park aged seven.
He has spent the past two years on scholarship with Melbourne's Waverley College, but COVID lockdowns has greatly limited chances to play with NAB League side Oakleigh Chargers.
He was invited to the AFL Draft Combine earlier this year, which meant at least five clubs had nominated him in their top 50 draft prospects.
Voss thanked the Giants Academy for giving him chances to showcase himself.
"They've been massive, without them I definitely wouldn't be where I am," he said.
"Especially for places like Wagga they give good exposure to kids that don't usually get it.
"Even though they didn't pick me up I'm very grateful for what they've done.
"Wherever they (Essendon) put me I'll play. My favourite (position) is probably forward, but my best footy is probably as a midfielder.
"I don't know what the plans are but whatever it is I'll have a crack at."
Maryanne said her son's call was the most pleasant of surprises.
"I spoke to him earlier in the day and I asked him if he wanted me to get someone else to do bus duty and he said 'there's no chance (I get picked)'," she said.
"I didn't even listen (to the coverage). Essendon rang me because they didn't have Pat's number and they could tell I was pretty excited.
"He got a scholarship to Wesley and in two years (in Melbourne) he had six lockdowns and hardly any footy. We're very proud of the resilience he's shown, he's had it hard."
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