New Gold Coast SUNS recruit Callum Ah Chee has a better idea than most draftees about the work waiting for him once he begins the new chapter of his life in the AFL.
 
Ah Chee became the SUNS latest top-ten draft pick after being selected with No. 8 in Tuesday night’s National Draft at the Adelaide Convention Centre, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Brendon, who was drafted by Port Adelaide in 2011.
 
The highly rated West Australian expressed his gratitude at being given an opportunity by the SUNS and was relieved the speculation on his future was finally over after a long build to the Draft.
 
“I’m over the moon. I can’t be thankful enough for the opportunity, it’s amazing,” Ah Chee told SUNS TV in his first interview as a Gold Coast SUN.
 
“I guess coming in it was kind of a bit of an uncertain feel. I’m just so thankful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get into training and meet all the boys.
 
“He’s (Brendon) told me that its hard work, but to just think positive and work as hard as you can.”
 
Poised with ball in hand and damaging by foot, Ah Chee is renowned for his play making ability and his exciting capacity to take strong, overhead grabs.
 
During the last 12 months, the 18-year-old emerged as the premier player in Western Australia and has also proven himself at senior level having played six league games with South Fremantle in the back end of the season.
 
“I’m pretty versatile and can play at both ends of the ground, but I think I pride myself on my marking and my decision making, so I think I can bring that to the SUNS,” Ah Chee said.
 
Ah Chee revealed he had met with Gold Coast’s recruiting team on several occasions, but Dom Ambrogio and Scott Clayton had not given him too much of an indication the club would select him.
 
“I met with them a few times. It was really hard because they didn’t really give anything away, so it was a massive surprise going to the SUNS, but thank you to them and I cant wait to get over there and work hard,” he said.