WITH his grandfather Murray playing in the 1953 and 1958 Collingwood premierships and his father Mark featuring in 28 matches for the Pies from 1981-84, Melbourne draftee Sam Weideman says he’s looking forward to starting a new chapter with the Demons.
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Speaking to Dee TV after he was selected at No.9, the youngster said he could wait to start his life in the red and blue.
“My grandfather and father both played for Collingwood, so back in the day they both had some really great battles with Melbourne. But I think it’s time to start a new path at Melbourne and hopefully have a successful career,” he said.
“I was looking at Pa when my name was read out, but he was thrilled, because they had battles back in the day. He shares a great relationship with Ron Barassi and he would be stoked to have me at the club.”
Weideman said his aim was to now “earn the respect of the club”.
“You’ve got to work your way up, being a draftee. You start at the bottom and you’ve got to work your way up, but through hard work and dedication I think I will be able to push my way up there,” he said.
“I would like to play an AFL game next year – the sky’s the limit – but it would be unbelievable if I got the opportunity to play an AFL game next year.”
Weideman said he was excited to play with the likes of Jesse Hogan in the forward line.
“It’s been on my mind quite a bit. He is such a fantastic player and I’ve watched him a lot this year, so it would be an honour and a privilege to line up next to him, and learn so much off him as a young player,” he said.
“He has had a couple of years in the system, so I would learn a lot from him and will definitely be seeking a lot of advice from him.
“I’m a key forward who likes to crash a pack and take a contested mark. I try to use both sides of my body, when I get the footy and try to use it quite well.”
Weideman said it was hard to explain what it meant to him being drafted.
“It’s been absolutely amazing to have your name read out by such an amazing club in Melbourne. It’s unreal and I can’t really explain it to be quite honest and I can’t wait to get stuck into it and meet some amazing people,” he said.
“I think I’ve stayed positive and my attitude is quite positive. I’m speechless to be honest, but to have such and up and down year and then finish on a rewarding note is unreal.”
“It’s been a very nerve wracking and exciting day at the same time. I didn’t really know where I was going to go … but to have my name read out at the Dees was a massive relief and such a thrill to be at such a great club and I’m just so happy.”
But Weideman said he was unable to tell where he would land in the draft leading up to it.
“[I] didn’t really know [where I would be drafted] to be honest. A lot of clubs were holding their cards close to their chest, but [with] Melbourne, we had a great relationship with the recruiters –I think they really liked how I went about it,” he said.
“But it was an amazing feeling that they decided to take a shot at me and give me an opportunity at such a great club.”
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 24: Collingwood Premiership Captain Murray Weideman poses for a photograph with son Mark and grandson Sam Weideman after he was drafted to the Demons during the NAB AFL Draft at the Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide, Australia on November 24, 2015. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media)
