Friday started like any other day for Matthew Uebergang, who is in the second year of an auto-electrical apprenticeship in Queensland.
 
That was all about to change, when his boss called him into the office to follow the 2015 NAB AFL Rookie Draft online.
 
“My bosses invited me into their room to watch the draft with them today,” Uebergang said.
 
Fremantle selected the 20-year-old from Ipswich at pick 16.
 
“When I saw my name come up I was pretty stoked,” he said.

Pick 16 - Matthew Uebergang
 
“I was speechless, you always hope for it to happen, but once it happens you never expect it.
 
“I was over the moon.”
 
The 194cm key position player from Redland in the NEAFL will down tools and head to Fremantle to pursue his AFL dream.
 
“WA is a pretty awesome state so I look forward to heading over there and enjoying the sunshine, just like it is in Queensland,” Uebergang said.
 
“I grew up and still live in Ipswich with my parents.
 
“I rang my dad…he was over the moon.
 
“He’s really happy for me, it’s awesome.”
 
Uebergang won the NEAFL rising star and finished runner-up in Redland’s best and fairest.
 
He played predominantly as a key forward until a move into the backline in 2015.
 
“I transitioned down to the backline this year after playing forward throughout my junior football, up until under 18s,” Uebergang said.

Good mix secured
 
“I think the more positions you play the more you learn about the game.
 
“I guess my time in defence has helped me with my football.
 
Uebergang said he would pinch himself at his first training session, alongside Fremantle stars such as Brownlow Medallist Nat Fyfe.
 
“I’m looking forward to meeting all the boys and cracking into it and finally getting to live a dream that I’ve dreamt about for so long,” he said.
 
“I want to make the most of the opportunity.
 
“You never expect to train with those blokes so getting the opportunity is pretty amazing.”