HEARING their names last night was life-changing for several south-west teenagers.
Three footballers from across the region found themselves a new place to call home after being scooped up in the 2009 AFL draft.
It was the highly rated Gary Rohan who heard his name first in the countdown of the top 10, with Sydney Swans snapping up the Cobden teenager at pick number six.
Next North Melbourne nabbed the hard-bodied Ben Cunnington, who has already farewelled his Princetown farm to become a Kangaroo after being pick number five.
Mininera and District Football League's David Astbury, from Tatyoon, will go to Richmond after he was chosen at number 37. Astbury is thought to be the first MDFL player selected in an AFL national draft.
Eye-catching performances for Geelong Falcons and Vic Country in 2009 saw Cunnington and Rohan touted as top-10 prospects mid-year.
After having the spotlight focused on them ? particularly in the last month ? a weight was lifted from the Cobden Football Netball Club pair when they heard their fate at the Melbourne Convention Centre last night.
"It was just an absolute relief," Cunnington said. "I'm just so excited.
"My head's still spinning and I can't believe I'm actually an AFL player."
The 18-year-old will get a lift to Arden Street with Kangaroos coach Brad Scott this morning.
"He's going to take me to the club so I can have a look around."
Rohan also had a spare minute to talk to The Standard.
He relished the chance to board a plane to Sydney.
"I'm moving from the country to the big smoke," he quipped. "I'm overwhelmed, just so excited. Thank God it's over now. I'm just looking forward to moving up there and doing my best to get a senior game," he said.
"It's unbelievable."
Geelong Falcons 2009 coach Garry Hocking heaped praise on Cunnington and Rohan.
"Ben in his second year was captain and was outstanding all year. He was fabulous," Hocking said.
"Gary in his first year still has a lot to learn and put in a great effort. I'm rapt for both boys."
Despite mentoring the boys into an AFL career, Hocking distanced himself from taking credit for Rohan and Cunnington's success.
He recognised Falcons regional manager Michael Turner and grassroots football clubs.
"It (the Geelong Falcons) is a good program. It has great staff, good coaching staff and is a great breeding ground for players.
"A lot of people give me credit but much of the congratulations needs to go to local clubs and the boys' parents." Turner was disappointed Port Campbell's Luke Thompson and Joe Dare of Colac missed out on having their names called.
"But that's the way it goes and there is always the rookie draft to look forward to," Turner said.
AFL Victoria's Leon Harris paid tribute to the duo on Melbourne radio station SEN.
He described Rohan as the most exciting player in this year's draft and highlighted his second and third efforts.
The wrap came as the 18-year-old shook Swans coach Paul Roos' hand and a tear rolled down his mother Belinda's cheek.
Harris coached Cunnington at under 16 state level. He described him as an improving and hard midfielder who was "solid as a rock".
A shock late in the draft was delisted St Kilda player Matt Maguire, who will be off to Queensland to join fellow South Warrnambool export Jonathan Brown at Brisbane.
The Lions grabbed 25-year-old Maguire with pick 91.
Former Hamilton footballer Liam Picken will stay with the Western Bulldogs as he was upgraded from a rookie.
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