Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has a keen follower in first-round pick Cooper Hynes, who says he will play any role required to slot into his new side.
The 190cm Dandenong Stingrays co-captain met Beveridge for the first time when he “popped in” to his home on Wednesday night, but has a strong family connection to the premiership-winning coach.
Hynes’ father, former Carlton and Frankston VFL player John Hynes, coached against Beveridge in local footy and has been known to play a bit of golf with the Bulldogs mentor.
“Bevo popped over (Wednesday night) … he’s mates with my uncle, and he knows my dad through footy as well … it was pretty special to have him come over,” Hynes said.
“They coached against each other a couple of times and played golf a bit together as well, so that’s where that connection sort of started.”
The midfielder-forward, who booted 23 goals in his 15 Coates Talent League games this season, finished runner-up in the Morrish Medal, and said he would play anywhere to fit in with Beveridge’s plans.
“I want to be someone who is super competitive – just work as hard as I can to get the respect of everyone, and build connections with the coaches and staff,” he said.
“Being able to play midfield and forward, I think versatility is a 바카라사이트 strength in my game, and I know Bevo likes that in his players.
“Wherever he wants me, I’m happy to put the work in and be valuable in any area, whether it’s mid, forward, or anywhere else.”
The 18-year-old had been given an indication the Bulldogs would pounce if he was still on the board at their first pick.
“I knew they were keen, I met with them through the year, and had some really good conversations with Dom Milesi, Sam Power and all the recruiting team,” he said.
“I had a little idea that if I was there at (pick 20) they would take me, so it was unreal.
“You prepare for this, and you hope for this, and for it to actually be here (Wednesday night) was the best feeling ever.”