Geraldton’s Judd McVee joins Melbourne Demons in AFL dream

Geraldton’s next shining AFL export could be local boy Judd McVee, who was picked up as No. 16 in Friday’s AFL rookie draft.

The 18-year-old WAFL half-back player, from a lineage which has lived in town “forever”, was thrilled after days of anticipation to be selected by reigning premiers Melbourne.

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McVee said he was excited to move to the “heart of the AFL” with East Fremantle teammate Taj Woewodin, who was also picked up by the Demons. “It was a nervous and stressful time, but I got there in the end,” he said.

“To get on an AFL list is finally a dream come true.

“I did want to go interstate ... I can’t wait. Two of my best mates are heading over there as well — Taj Woewodin and Jacob Van Rooyen.

“I’m also looking forward to playing alongside Trent Rivers. I made my colts debut two years ago when he was at East Freo as well and I look up to him.”

The ex-Rovers midfielder turned half-back and former Geraldton Senior High School student moved to Perth earlier this year to realise his football dream playing for East Fremantle in the WAFL.

He travelled back last week to watch the draft with his father, Rod, a port worker, mother, Mel, who works at Holland Street Primary School, and older siblings, Quinn and Kye, from their Mount Tarcoola home.

McVee said his success could be attributed to hard work and family support, with his mother saying the family had no hesitation to support him to pursue professional football.

“It’s brilliant, it’s something he’s good at and he loves it and it can be a job, so we’re thrilled for him,” she said.

“It might be a little adjusting to start with but ... Melbourne is the AFL hub of football, so it’s the best place for him to be and we’ll get over there as much as we can, when we can.”

McVee said he had not thought much about what the future would hold from this point but would put all his focus into football in a bid to build on his first-year contract.