Eagles draftee relishing early AFL experience

West Coast Eagles’ first pick in last year’s draft Callum Jamieson has settled in well to life at AFL level, but isn’t certain whether he will play at the highest level in 2020.

Speaking to Sports Drive on Monday the 2019 Claremont Colts premiership player said he wasn’t sure what the year had in store for him, having been selected at pick 49 in last year’s national draft.

“The club isn’t putting too much pressure on me, we are just taking it day by day and week by week,” Jamieson said.

“The training loads have stepped up and I’m just trying to cope with training and pre-season. I haven’t thought about what might happen this year. We’ll see where the wind takes me.”

The 200 cm and 85 kg big man is set to be eased in to the AFL system this year, the Eagles already with an abundance of ruckmen on their list with Nic Naitanui, Tom Hickey, Nathan Vardy and Bailey Williams already jostling for spots.

Jamieson said the club had been a great source of support since joining the club last November.

“The club has been so welcoming, and all the boys have welcomed me with open arms. It’s been amazing and I wouldn’t change it for the world.” He said.

Jamieson averaged 16 disposals and 23 hitouts at Colts level in 2019, having also been part of the winning under 19’s squad at the AFL under 19’s championships mid-year.

The ruck-forward also reflected on draft night and being selected by the Eagles.

“I kept it pretty low key on the day, I was pretty nervous and just had my mum, dad and sister watching it on television.”

“Then my name was called out and within 30 seconds I had ten of my mates over the back fence, they came around the back and they were all jumping around. They were actually in a car out the front watching it live on their phone and I had no idea, next thing you know they were in my house.”

“It was a bit of a whirlwind, but it was an amazing night.” Jamieson said.

West Coast begin their pre-season campaign on February 27th against Essendon at Mineral Resources Park, with their round one opponent Melbourne at Optus Stadium on Sunday March 22nd.

IMAGE: West Coast Eagles website.