FOUR years ago dreadlocked Queenslander Wylie Buzza wagged school to try out for an AFL schoolboy trial.
It would start a remarkable journey that will see the 197cm forward become an instant cult hero after Geelong this week drafted him at pick 69.
The Gatton teen was thrilled with the opportunity to join Geelong.
He will train alongside the likes of stars Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield and fellow big forward Tom Hawkins.
"I don't know how to put it in words. It is ridiculous," the 19-year-old said.
"Tom Hawkins is a player I like to watch to base my game on. Just to think I get to train alongside him and talk to him is amazing."
Buzza was picked up as a tall forward who impressed while playing for Queensland at the under 18 national championship, coincidentally at Geelong.
He started playing the game as a 15-year-old after earlier playing rugby league.
Buzza started out with the Lockyer Valley Demons before he went on to play for the Darling Downs Crows under 18s, Redlands and Mt Gravatt in Brisbane.
And all of that was after he thought he would give the game a go as a 15-year-old in order to get out of school.
“I took the day off. Mum knew about it but it was pretty much a wag. They picked me to go to Townsville for five games and I fell in love with the sport.
AFL Queensland Darling Downs regional manager Keith Webb thought it was great news for the Gatton talent who had only started playing the game aged 15.
"It is fantastic for a young man who has only been in the AFL system for four or five years. It's also a great example to all aspiring young footballers on the Downs that the dream of one day playing at the highest level is achieveable if you're willing to work hard," Webb said.
Wylie takes off for his new home town in Geelong this Friday. "I can't wait to get down there and learn so much," Buzza said.
Last Modified on 28/06/2016 15:03