EXCITEMENT was the overriding emotion for new Collingwood draftee Imogen Trengove after being selected with pick eight in Monday night’s intake at Marvel Stadium. Speaking the following morning, the South Australian expressed her gratitude in being selected for such a historically significant club.

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“When my name was read out it was pretty surreal,” she said. “I was very excited and overwhelmed with a lot of emotions, and very grateful to be on a list – especially at Collingwood… The culture and support is a big [draw]. The most supporters and such an amazing culture and big fan base.”

Trengove was one of a couple of prospects heavily linked to Collingwood’s first pick, although maintains she had little clue as to whether that would become concrete. Once it was confirmed, Trengove says it brought an end to what has been a long wait in the back-end of the year.

“Obviously there’s interest and clubs say that they’re interested in you, but really you don’t know on the night at all and things could go any way,” she said. “It’s been a long time coming and a lot of waiting time throughout the year, but the night’s finally been and I’m just so excited.”

Hailing from Bute on the Yorke Peninsula, Trengove has already experienced a move away from home having boarded in Adelaide to complete her schooling. Now, another shift to Melbourne is in the works for the talented tennis convert.

“I’m very excited to move to Melbourne,” Trengove said. “It’s obviously very close to Adelaide still and lots of my friends as well [have been] drafted to Melbourne. It’s a big city, so I’m very excited. We’ll find housing soon and figure that all out but I’m not fussed where I go or where I am.”

Another comfort for Trengove will be the presence of familiar faces and idols. Fellow former South Australian captain Violet Patterson was drafted to the Magpies last year, while long-standing midfielder Britt Bonnici is a player the youngster is keen to learn off.

“Violet’s lovely, I love her a lot and very excited to be at the same club as her,” Trengove said. “She’s amazing and it’s always nice to have a friendly, familiar face around the club… [Bonnici’s] work rate is incredible and just her leadership on-field and contest. I think I can learn a lot off her.”

Looking forward, Trengove still has goals on working on her craft before she hits the ground running in black and white. Where she slots into the side is still yet to be settled.

“The goal is to just keep improving,” she said. “Work on myself, my skills and my strength and do everything I can up until I get over to Collingwood and start… I’m very happy to play anywhere on the field, wherever they need me and I’d be very lucky to get a game in the first place.”

Watch the full interview with Trengove in the player below.