In the space of 10 minutes at Friday’s NAB AFL National Draft, two Williamstown players in the VFL became Fremantle Dockers teammates, as Freo selected Lachlan Schultz with pick no.57 and Brett Bewley with pick no.59.
The pair spent the morning working at their day jobs, with Schultz a plumber and Bewley a carpenter.
While Bewley was able to knock off to watch the draft in time with his partner, Schultz found out in one of the more unconventional ways.
“I wasn’t actually watching the draft, I was at work and then my boss called me and informed me that I had been taken,” Schwartz said.
“My boss was at home watching it and he said he’d let me know if anything happens and that’s how it played out.
“I didn’t find out about Brett until later when Mum called me to congratulate me.
“I couldn’t be happier for Brett. To have him coming over with me just makes everything that little bit easier.
“Hopefully, he says the same thing about me. We get on really well, so to have both of us over there is unreal.”
As predicted by Schultz, Bewley seconded his teammate's thoughts.
“I was very excited for him, it’s good to see teammates get their names read out, it’s really good for the VFL,” Bewley said.
“I’m sure we will be able to help each other out at Fremantle.
“Lachie moved down from the country to play at Williamstown and I’m moving out of home for the first time, so I’m sure he’ll be able to teach me a few things about living out of home.”
Both players had high praise for each other’s football abilities.
“With Lachie, we’re going to get a very elusive, crafty forward. He plays well in big moments,” Bewley said.
Schultz said both players will work hard to have an impact at Fremantle in 2019 and beyond.
“I feel we are both ready to go,” Schultz said.
“We have such a good connection with each other on the field and have a willingness to learn.
“Hopefully, we can make Freo even stronger.”
