Growing up just metres from South Warrnambool’s Friendly Societies’ Park but playing the majority of his teenage football at Koroit, Drew was hand-picked by Port Adelaide at number 33 in last year’s AFL national draft.

The 19-year-old, who was the third south-west prospect selected in the draft behind Hugh McCluggage (pick three) and Cedric Cox (24), said he was beginning to settle into his new space at Alberton.

“I’m absolutely loving it. It’s been a bit different moving away from home and settling in but it’s a good challenge really,” Drew told The Standard. 

“The club and the guys have been great and very welcoming.

“I’m really trying not to look too far ahead at all. I’m keeping my focus on training and the pre-season and then I’ll put my best foot forward for whatever happens (with selection).

“It’s just about worrying about what I can control and that is training right now.”

Drew has joined fellow first-years Joe Atley, Todd Marshall and Sam Pepper-Powell in teal, black and white this season.

He hailed the TAC Cup system which was instrumental in his rise as a draft prospect with the Greater Western Victoria – then North Ballarat – Rebels.

“It’s a great system, and Parto (talent manager Phil Partington) and Fitzy (coach Gerard FitzGerald) do a good job down there,” he said.

“The biggest difference is obviously going from training just two nights a week to five days a week and having a much larger load at training.

“It definitely does get you prepared for what it will be like at AFL level.”

The three-time Koroit premiership player carved his draft year with appearances for Victoria Country, particularly with a strong effort at the under 18 national championships.

He topped a rise to prominence with a second-place finish in the Greater Western Victoria Rebels’ best-and-fairest, behind McCluggage.

Drew said he was finding his way with the expectations of an AFL draftee and slotting into the top-tier system through hard work on the track.

“The main thing is realising that you’re here for a reason – to win games –  it’s a full time job and you have to treat it that way,” he said.

“You have to make sure you’re eating the right foods, and doing everything absolutely right so you can play to your best abilities.”

Known as an inside midfielder with tenacious ball-gathering tendancies, Drew will compete against captain Travis Boak, Hamish Hartlett and Brad Ebert for a senior role in the Power’s setup.