North Melbourne selected Colby McKercher with the No. 2 pick in last month’s AFL national draft and within 72 hours the speedy left-footer had completed a major relocation from Launceston to Melbourne.
McKercher, 18, has moved in with the family of Kangaroos legend Brent Harvey as he navigates the leap to the elite level.
The Tasmanian teen had long looked forward to a move interstate to launch his career, and now has his chance at Arden Street with a rigorous pre-season schedule ahead.
Take a look behind the scenes as McKercher keeps a diary of his first fortnight as an AFL player.
Friday November 24
Friday was my first day at the club. Had a 6.15am wake up to get into the club by about 7.45am.
After getting drafted I went home to pack my things and then moved in with the Harveys.
Their place is a bit of a way out in the northeast suburbs, but it’s a really nice spot. “Boomer” and his family have been really good to me, they’ve been looking after me really well.
Boomer’s just a really nice guy and moving in hasn’t felt intimidating at all. He’s been great, and cooks a really good meal as well.
It’s about a 45-minute drive to and from training, and I go in with Cooper (Harvey) – I’m getting to know him really well.
I’ve got my licence but I won’t bring my car over until after Christmas – the traffic here is crazy, it’s taking a fair bit of getting used to when there’s basically no traffic back in Launceston.
Aside from that I haven’t found it that much of an adjustment to be honest. I’ve got some family here in Melbourne and I’ve been here plenty of times so I feel pretty comfortable.
It’s good having Cooper – he’s been showing me the ropes. Obviously he’s been in the system for a year which is really helpful.
We’ve already played a lot of golf and table tennis at...
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