“MY DAD always used to say to me to train as hard as you can because you get to sit on the couch later.”

For second-year Blue Grace Egan, the 2019 NAB AFL Women’s Draft was a more relaxing experience than that of the others in her draft crop.

Arriving at Carlton at pick No.13 through the AFLW Academy bidding process, Egan knew she was a Blue long before her name was called out on draft day.

“It was all very confusing because I wasn’t in the room as it happened, I was just waiting for a phone call and whoever the phone call was from, that was where I was going,” Egan said.

“Harf rang me and then I found out from there and it was pretty crazy and surreal experience.”

Getting the opportunity to enjoy draft day knowing her spot on the Blues’ list was secured, the real excitement came in meeting the rest of the year’s draftees.

“It was a lot more relaxing and fun because you look around the room and all the girls are very stressed out and they don’t know what’s going to happen or where they’re going to go, but I was able to sit there and know what number and where I was going,” Egan said.

“I was excited to see who else was going to join the club with me which was even better because you can just sit there and watch it as it goes.”

With an unconventional draft process complete, Egan was among seven draftees to meet the playing group that night at Ikon Park.

Initially daunted by the prospect of being the “new person” again, Egan quickly found her feet amongst the group.

“I’m normally a very comfortable person, once I’m comfortable I’m very outgoing, but for me to join a group and be the new person all over again was very uncomfortable for me,” Egan said.

“But I was pretty lucky with the group they have at Carlton, the girls are pretty awesome and to go in with seven other girls as well made it a lot easier because you had lots of girls with you.”

Egan’s one piece of advice for draftees looking to make an impact in their first season at the highest level is to not take a moment for granted.

“My Dad always used to say to me to train as hard as you can because you get to sit on the couch later,” Egan said.

“I just always went into training like that: you’ll run your guts out and you’ll feel like spewing pretty much every training or the sun will be that hot but just remember you’re only there for a short amount of time.

“Train your heart out and try your hardest, ask as many questions as possible and talk to the girls because girls are always for girls.”