Fremantle’s first selection in the 2012 AFL Rookie Draft is hoping he can be the club’s next mature-age recruit to make it at the top level.

Twenty-four-year-old Lee Spurr has nominated for all the drafts in the past three years without any success, but Fremantle today gave the SANFL star the chance to realise his dream.

“I was absolutely pumped when Freo mentioned my name,” he said.

“I was stoked to go pretty early in the draft which put my mind at ease a bit.”

Spurr said watching the likes of Michael Barlow and Nick Lower succeed at AFL level after enjoying solid VFL and SANFL seasons respectively, coupled with Fremantle’s faith in its rookies in recent years was heartening.

“Those guys were given their opportunity by the club and they took it,” he said.

“If the club gives me the chance to play to see if I’m up to it, that’s what you want - an opportunity.”

Originally from Queensland, Spurr moved to South Australia in the hope of being drafted by an AFL club.

He has played for Central Districts for the past five seasons, winning three premierships along the way.

The solidly built Spurr said his experience and success at the top level of the SANFL would provide a solid platform for him from which to try and launch his AFL career.

“You get pretty big crowds in the SANFL and the league is fairly professional,” he said.

“I know that AFL level is a significant step up but I can’t wait to get over to Perth and give it my best shot.”