Draft rings true for new Blue Bell
Tom Bell, Carlton’s first-named rookie in this morning’s draft, could hardly contain himself when contacted for comment today.
“I’m absolutely stoked . . . can’t believe it,” was his response to the news he’d been taken with the Blues’ selection at 14 overall.
“Wayne Hughes [the club’s National recruiting Manager] gave me a call yesterday and told me that I’d be in the mix for Carlton, but I didn’t expect it at all . . . and to be taken with first pick is even more unexpected.
“I’m shocked, excited, jubilant and relieved - particularly relieved knowing my hard work has all paid off. To finally be given a chance with a place on an AFL club list is pretty much a dream come true for me.”
Any player who makes the cut on draft day has truly achieved; for Bell even more so. For the formative years of his life the 20 year-old Brisbanite committed his energies to the round ball code, until fate brought him into contact with three lifelong primary schoolmates - Blane Delbridge and the twins Alex and James Diamond - who hailed from the acknowledged home of the great Australian game.
“My mates came up from Melbourne with a footy and that’s what they were playing . . . hanging out with them was my introduction to Australian Rules,” Bell said.
“Throughout all my junior days and up until 18s they’ve all supported me heaps. I owe it to them and my Dad Stephen also.”
Bell will today bid fond farewell to his girlfriend Shanna before jetting into Melbourne tomorrow. It’s the price you have to pay and as Bell all too readily conceded, “I’d give anything to pursue my dream of playing with an AFL club”.
Once here he’ll hit the ground running and for good reason too. As he said: “I spoke to ‘Ratts’ [Senior Coach Brett Ratten] before and he thinks that at the level I’m at I can definitely help Carlton from the outset”.
A winger/half-back for the most part, Bell turned out for Morningside seniors through 2011 and after damaging the AC joint in his shoulder early on in the piece fared well through the season proper, even though his team got belted by the Northern Territory on Grand Final day.
Save for the draft screening, he had no real dealing with Carlton’s recruiters throughout - other than a fleeting moment during Morningside’s recent semi-final at Southport “when I was taking my place on the interchange bench and saw [Carlton’s National Recruiting Manager] Wayne Hughes taking photos of me”.
“After that I had a little idea I might get a call from him,” Bell said.
Refreshingly candid and cliché-free, Bell’s readily admitted that his knowledge of the club and its vivid history isn’t what it could or should be.
“To be honest I really don’t know anything about the Carlton Football Club. It’s all pretty new to me,” Bell said. “That said, I had a look at the facilities last year when I was down for the state championships and they’re unbelievable.”
And he made this solemn vow to the Carlton Members, who will no doubt become acquainted with the kid from up north at some point in the New Year.
“I’m very committed, I’m one of those people who’ll never give up and I’ll give 100 per cent in every aspect of the game,” he said.