NIGHT one of the 2025 AFL Draft threw up plenty of surprises, and that wasn’t lost on the latest batch of draftees. Several of the attending players were put to the media mere moments after having their names called out, and we’ve compiled quotes from each press conference.

>> NIGHT ONE: Every pick | All the fallout | Press conferences
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Eagles open night one by taking utility Willem Duursma with pick one, then skilled ruck Cooper Duff-Tytler at pick four.

“It’s something you dream about all your life”, Duursma said. 

“This year, seeing West Coast down the bottom, I was just hoping I’d get a chance to go there and it’s finally here and it’s really special”.

Despite much anticipation of his arrival at the Eagles, Duursma revealed that he only found out in the afternoon of draft day. 

“I had a meeting with ‘Mini’ [Eagles coach Andrew McQualter]. [He said] ‘we’re taking you with the first pick tonight, so just be ready.’”

Duff-Tytler was West Coast’s next selection at pick four, and was equally thrilled, sharing a similar sentiment to his new teammate. 

“The list at the Eagles is so exciting… I think it’s an amazing opportunity,” he said.

It was also a fruitful night for the Gold Coast Suns, who secured star juniors Zeke Uwland (pick two) and Dylan Patterson (five) early in the piece. 

Brother of Suns defender Bodhi, Zeke, credited the Gold Coast Academy with the development of talent in the region. 

“I think it shows how much Queensland footy’s grown and how much the academy’s invested”, he said. 

“We’re just a product of what they’re invested in… The potential to have five academy products coming through is really special. 

“We’re all stoked for each other”. 

Uwland also spoke glowingly of his teammate Patterson and his decision to stick with AFL after NRL clubs showed interest in the young gun. 

“It shows what type of character Dyl is that he had five or so rugby league contract offers and he stuck fat with footy. It’s a really great reflection on his character”

Although, Patterson revealed that he only had one option in mind and that the opportunity to play in front of a packed People’s First Stadium remains tantalising. 

“When it came to the pointy end, it was pretty easy to make the decision,” he said. 

“Everyone thinks that Melbourne’s the best place to be, but no one’s been there [People’s First Stadium] on a Friday night when the sun’s setting… I just want to get around that.” 

Carlton father/son defender Harry Dean was almost speechless after his childhood club matched West Coast’s bid at pick three. 

“I’m so happy, I’ve got no words,” Dean said in the aftermath. 

“I wasn’t expecting this. I was just hoping anywhere to get picked up, any number.

“It shows how hard I’ve worked this year.”

Dean also expressed his goal to line up alongside former number one pick and hero Jacob Weitering in the opening round. 

“It’d be unbelievable to play round one, especially with him, but yeah, hopefully I’ll go well and have a good preseason and they fit me in.” 

Lions Academy prospect Daniel Annable lands at his dream club. 

“It’s unreal, going to a back-to-back premiership club, no better place to be

“A team that I have so much love and passion for just as a fan”, he said.

Despite chat of Annable slotting into the Lions’ best 23 for Opening Round, the sturdy midfielder remained humble about his inaugural season. 

“No expectations to play round one”, he said. “Hoping to play anything and be really versatile”. 

Intrigue over Tigers’ picks took even their latest draftees by surprise. 

Midfield pair Sam Cumming (pick seven) and Samuel Grlj were taken with Richmond’s first two selections, but despite being linked throughout the season, both players were shocked. 

“I didn’t really know, didn’t have any indication beforehand… They didn’t give too much away”, he said. 

“It feels kind of weird – both of us had no idea”, said Grlj. 

But both agreed that their arrival at the Tigers has come at the right time. 

“It’s really exciting, one of the most exciting clubs going around”, Grlj said. 

“Got a great group coming through and I think me and Sam can add to that”, Cumming said. 

And on the potential of State of Origin football in his future, Cumming, who played junior football across three states, couldn’t be certain of who he’d line up for. 

“I spent most of my time in Victoria, so maybe that, but won a champs for South Australia, so not really sure”. 

Essendon secure a trio of midfield prospects, Sullivan Robey, Jacob Farrow & Dyson Sharp.

Dyson Sharp, taken at pick 13, started barracking for Essendon as a child because of his namesake, former captain Dyson Heppell, who presented him with his guernsey. 

“Oh mate, I was pinching myself a little bit while I was up there… growing up he was my idol. Having the same name was what got me into the Bombers to start with, so to have him present the team that I barracked for was an unreal feeling.”

Draft bolter Sullivan Robey was also elated to arrive at his childhood club after the Dons swooped on him at pick 9. 

“Yeah, it’s awesome. Being an Essendon supporter and the whole family as well, it’s been a really awesome couple of months.” 

Robey, whose landing spot had been widely speculated on, hinted at the toll of his rollercoaster season. 

“It’s been definitely tough, but it’s a credit to my family and my results as well, for sure. They’ve reaped the reward”. 

The pair were taken alongside WA’s Jacob Farrow (pick 10), who was “super stoked” and likewise said he “can’t wait to get stuck into it”. 

Despite being relative strangers, the trio of first-rounders were happy to be taken alongside one another. 

“Good vibe coming from us all, I think it won’t take long for us to get pretty close, and can’t wait to share the field”, Sharp said. 

Electric small forward Latrelle Pickett joins “big brother” Kysaiah at the Dees. 

The mature-aged forward being taken at pick 12 was one of the surprises of night one. Equally surprising for Pickett was who ended up presenting him with his jumper, cousin Kysaiah Pickett. 

“Yeah, that was pretty crazy. I had no clue that he was hiding back there. So I heard him presenting the guernsey and I was like, what, did they say that right?” 

Pickett’s development unfolded rapidly in the last 12 months, from local football to starring in the SANFL for Glenelg. He became a late invitee to the night one event, arriving in a fairly unceremonious fashion. 

“I did have to sneak in tonight”, he said. 

“I was here on Friday and then flew out Monday and had to come back. So I got told, I think, yesterday, so pretty late. I had to fly over this morning.” 

Pickett indicated his keenness to play in the forwardline alongside his cousin, who he hopes will look after him on-field. 

“It would be pretty exciting, us two running around together, just need to get a game, I guess…. I would hope he kicks it to me too”.