Sam Menegola is ecstatic to have a footy home again after Fremantle selected him with pick 44 in the AFL Rookie Draft today.

The 19-year-old said the main emotions he had experienced since hearing the news were relief and excitement.

“Relief that the off-season is over and I’ve found a home, and excitement because I can get stuck into it,” he said.

“I can’t wait to put my head down and work really hard and try and play some really good footy next year.”

Menegola was hoping to be a Freo Docker one year ago when he trained with the club during the pre-season.

But Hawthorn threw a spanner in the works when they selected the East Fremantle colt with pick 19 in the Rookie Draft - one ahead of Freo at pick 20.

After a season with the Hawks, Menegola was delisted, leaving him on Freo’s radar once again.

The club pounced on the 188cm midfielder/forward who possesses elite endurance capabilities.

“It’s good to be home and playing my footy at Freo,” Menegola said.

“I’m absolutely stoked that it worked out the way it did and I’m now a Freo Docker.”

Menegola said that after spending a year on an AFL list, he would be more prepared to make a better fist of it this time.

“I learnt the importance of trusting your instincts and backing yourself, which is what I’ll aim to do at Freo.”