Mature-aged Fremantle draftee Shane Yarran says he never gave up on his dream of playing AFL.
The 26-year-old from Subiaco had to wait for his opportunity but he has vowed to grasp it with both hands.
Fremantle selected the WAFL premiership player and 2015 Bernie Naylor Medal winner with pick 61 at Tuesday’s NAB AFL Draft in Adelaide.
Pick 61 - Shane Yarran
Fremantle’s player welfare manager Mark Anderson presented Yarran with his first club top at his home in Armadale, surrounded by family and friends.
“The colour purple looks good and feels right,” he said.
Yarran said he expected his chance of being drafted was in Friday’s NAB AFL Rookie Draft.
“There was a moment of pause there, I honestly thought I was going to go through to the Rookie Draft,” he said.
“I was looking down at my phone and just heard it ring…I was so excited.”
Yarran said to remain in WA with his young family was crucial.
“To get to stay home and play football with the support of family is awesome,” he said.
“With my baby, she is my priority, her and my partner.
“We like to head down to the beach a fair bit, I always like to spend time with my family.”
Shane Yarran with his partner and daughter at his home on Tuesday night.
Yarran said his desire to play AFL never faded as he got older.
“I suppose everyone that wants to play football, you keep that hunger there and keep thinking you may always get the opportunity,” he said.
“I kept the hunger and kept my head down and hoped for the best and I have got the reward.”
“You get a lot of support in the footy world.
“Behind the scenes my partner has been my rock I think.”
Yarran said his focus now was to knuckle down into the pre-season.
“I have to concentrate on my fitness and work hard throughout the pre-season,” he said.
Fremantle general manager of player management Brad Lloyd said Yarran deserved an opportunity.
“With his background and football ability, we thought he earned it,” he said.
“He’s good overhead, has elite speed and is a nice size.
“He will really add to our playing list."
