He impressed for WA at the Under 18 National Championships by gaining All Australian selection despite missing two games, but Connor Blakely still thinks he’s lucky to be picked up by an AFL club.

The 189cm inside midfielder from Swan Districts was selected by Fremantle with pick 34 in the NAB AFL Draft.

Blakely was lost for words after his selection, but proud to have become a Fremantle Docker.

“I’m just relieved that a club has used one of their picks on me,” he said.

“I’m very lucky to be selected by such a good and strong club as Fremantle, I’m just speechless at the moment.”

The Bunbury-born Blakely moved to Perth less than a year ago for his football and study and he’s just pleased to be able to stay in WA.

“Staying with friends and family and having their support is something that will be very helpful throughout my career and something that will probably benefit me more than leaving, so I’m very glad that I’ve been able to stay home,” he said.

Blakely made a name for himself with a full 2014 WAFL season at Swan Districts, a club that he says he owes a lot to.

“Without having that opportunity at Swans to play league, I probably wouldn’t have been picked up by any club,” he said.

“I’m very grateful for that opportunity.”

Freo’s recruiting team rates Blakely highly and the youngster was impressed after their initial draft interview.

“It was great, I think they showed a lot of interest and I got along with them really well…I thought I interviewed pretty well with them,” Blakely said.

“I am pretty happy that I was picked by Freo after meeting with them.”

Blakely describes himself as a real team-orientated player who loves a contest.

“I think winning clearances is one of my strengths and I’m a fairly good decision-maker, so I’m someone who won’t panic with the ball and make good decisions,” he said.