WITH most workplaces in Adelaide wrapping up business this week before the Christmas break there’d be plenty of employees around the state dragging their feet at the office.
However, one new South Australian couldn’t wait to meet his new boss and get to work today.
Ollie Lord was Port Adelaide’s second selection at last Wednesday’s AFL National Draft, joining the club with pick 49, and the Sandringham Dragons product was still pinching himself when he fronted up for his first training session at Alberton Oval this morning.
“It was Wednesday night that I found out (Port had drafted me) and it wasn’t until probably Friday morning that I woke up and realised ‘Wow, this is amazing, I’ve lived my boyhood dream’,” Lord told reporters at a press conference on Monday afternoon.
“Then moving here yesterday it became realistic and then training today was like ‘Wow, you’ve made it, the hard work starts now’.
“I’m super stoked. You still can’t get the smile off of my face.”
He’s barely unpacked his bags with new housemate Zak Butters but Lord says his new teammates have already made him feel right at home.
In fact, the Geelong Grammar junior had only ever been to South Australia once before, for a basketball carnival six years ago. However, he says he was well aware of the high standards he was walking into when he stepped through the gates at Alberton.
“I was obviously knowledgeable that Port Adelaide celebrated 150 years last year, and moving into the 151st this year I was just excited to be part of such a successful club,” he said.
“With one AFL premiership and 36 SANFL premierships I knew that there was high quality coaches and players who are just striving for success and I was really eager to be a part of that.”
Lord stands an impressive 195cm and describes himself as a key position forward that enjoys playing a physical brand of football.
The 18-year-old is hoping his aggressive style of play is something that will help earn the respect of his new coaches and teammates.
“I’m quite an aggressive payer and I like to play on my aggression,” Lord explained.
“(Ken) said just to bring that, not so much anger, but ferocity for the ball and bring that aggression.
“I think that is one of my main strengths and something I can earn my respect from Ken most importantly and my teammates as well.”
Lord has had plenty of good mentors even before heading to Alberton. His grandfather Alistair Lord was a premiership player with Geelong in 1962 and won the Brownlow Medal the year prior.
Meanwhile, father Darren crossed paths with Ken Hinkley at Geelong during the 1990s.
His advice before waving his son off to the tutelage of his former teammate?
Short and simple.
“Have a crack.”
