Cats TV caught up with Geelong’s second draftee from East Fremantle, Jarrad Jansen, who was picked up at number 36 in the 2013 national draft.

The young midfielder couldn’t believe his luck when he heard his name called out last Thursday evening. In fact, Jansen was shocked, as he felt he hadn’t come across as well as he wanted to during his meeting with Geelong at this year’s draft camp.

“I had an interview at the Draft Combine with Stephen Wells - it went for about half-an-hour and I was really nervous. I walked out thinking I hadn’t done very well and I didn’t hear anything until my name was called out (at the 2013 AFL draft) - I was taken back so much but it was a great feeling,” Jansen explained.

Jansen quickly revealed that ‘great’ was an understatement.   

“I was really overwhelmed and it was the best feeling of my life.”

Since arriving at the Cattery on Sunday afternoon Jansen has been living a dream that he never thought would come his way. He admits it hasn’t been an easy road out on the track but his first few days at the club have exceeded all expectations.

“It’s really intense, you have to be switched on the whole time out there. It hasn’t really sunk in with the feeling that the guys you watch on TV and you admire so much for so long - that you’re actually out there training and competing against them, it’s an unreal feeling,” Jansen said.

Jansen, who now carries number 35 on his back, has not completed one week of training at the club, however his short introduction to the Cats has only enticed him even more to hit the ground running.

For him, preseason training cannot come quick enough.

“I’m really excited about getting stuck into preseason and bettering myself as an athlete and as a footballer too. I mean I’m learning from the best – Selwood, Kelly and plenty more going through the midfield. I just cannot wait to get stuck into it,” Jansen said.

Jansen knew he was stepping into a club that liked to win but he didn’t realise how powerful Geelong’s culture would be.

"I didn’t really know what to expect coming in except that it was a real winning culture. We had a meeting with the leadership group yesterday and I can see the culture of the club is outstanding."