NO ONE was more surprised than Jesse O’Brien that the Brisbane Lions took him in last year’s NAB AFL Draft, but the 18-year-old from North Adelaide already feels right at home.

O’Brien was snapped up with the Lions’ third pick at No.73, but while not doubting his own ability, the athletic midfielder was not holding his breath.

“I had no idea they were interested so it was a surprise when I got drafted,” O’Brien said.

“I was very surprised. The scouts weren’t giving me too much indication I’d get drafted.”

But four days after the good news, he had packed bags and headed north from Adelaide.

It wasn’t just O'Brien who was surprised, with his parents Mark and Susan and sister Deana also taken aback.

“They were stoked, but surprised as well,” he said. “They were over the moon really. When I was leaving the airport to come here the first time my mum and sister were crying their eyes out.

“It’s a bit of a shock (moving interstate) but it’s my dream so I don’t mind.

“I’ve settled in well with my host family, they’re great, and Lamby (Craig Lambert) has been a big help.”

After being undrafted as a bottom-age player the year before, O’Brien set himself some new goals for 2009 and reached each one.

He made the South Australian under-18 team, playing at the national championships, and also played two senior games for North Adelaide in the SANFL.

He had been at the club since under-13s, and by going to the Lions, it gave the club four draftees for the year - a terrific endorsement for coach Daniel Healy, a man O’Brien still talks to regularly.

“It’s a big step up but you get over that,’’ he said of coming to an AFL club.

“I’ve got to do everything I can this year, get fitter, get bigger and hopefully play a senior game or two. The type of player I want to be, work rate is important so you need to be fit to play that way.”

Not just on the training track, but off the field, O’Brien said he was comfortable in the Lions’ den.

Mixing with the experienced players has not proven a problem for the quietly spoken teenager.

“I’ve spoken to a few of them and they are all good blokes. Blacky, Lukey Power, Browny, you wonder how much time they’re going to have for the young guys, but they are always happy to talk and are probably the nicest blokes at the club.”

Image courtesy of Steve Ripper