Matthew Lobbe of Emerald dons a Port Power guernsey after being drafted to Port Adelaide in the 2007 AFL national draft.By Tania Martin
EMERALD’S Matthew Lobbe is living his dream to become a professional footballer after been chosen as the number 16 pick in the AFL national draft.
Lobbe, 18, is one of four players chosen as part of Port Adelaide’s (Port Power) draft on Saturday.
The former Monbulk Football Club forward was selected as the Power’s number 16 pick along with upcoming players Marlon Motlop, Matthew Westhoff and Mitchell Farmer.
Lobbe said being chosen to play for Port Power was a dream come true.
“We were listening to the draft on the radio and I couldn’t believe it when my name was called,” he said.
“I was really shocked at first but when the shock wore off I was really excited once it started to sink in.
Lobbe started his football career as a junior at Emerald Junior Football Club before moving to play for Monbulk when he was 14.
He continued to play for Monbulk for several years but has spent the last couple of seasons playing for the Eastern Ranges Football Club.
Lobbe said he couldn’t wait to meet all his new teammates and start training.
“It’s going to be amazing being able to meet the players you watch on television and get to train and play with them,” Lobbe said.
“I have always dreamed this would happen but it’s still amazing – I can’t believe it’s actually happening – that I’ve been chosen to play in the AFL.”
Port Adelaide recruiting boss Blair Harley said the club was extremely happy with its draft picks.
“We have a good mix of players – we got some tall key position types in our program in Lobbe and Westhoff, some additional class in our midfielder with Marlon (Motlop), and some hardness in Mitch Farmer,” he said.
“We’ve now got four players who will go to what we believe is the best football school in the country, with a great learning environment – It’s very exciting.”
Lobbe was visited by Harley mere hours after the draft pick was made and given a Power guernsey.
According to Port Power, Lobbe has a long-term future with the club and will go a long way in his AFL career.
Harley said Lobbe also has strong character and proven leadership qualities as he has been vice-caption at the Eastern Ranges Football Club.
“We feel like he’s going to be a very good player in time,” he said.
Lobbe who is currently studying for a Bachelor of Exercise Sports Science said he would continue his studies part-time next year.
