FROM one job to the next.

In less than 24 hours, Joel Fitzgerald had become an AFL player, having to call up his supervisor on Tuesday night to let him know he wouldn't be available.

"He was rapt for me,” Fitzgerald said.

"So that phone call was all good." 

Fitzgerald was selected by Melbourne with pick No.16 at the 2026 AFL Mid-Season Draft on Tuesday night, turning his AFL dreams into a reality. 

As a Victorian-based selection, Fitzgerald was in at the club the next morning, ready to begin his new journey as a full time athlete. 

“It’s been good,” Fitzgerald said. 

“I got here [this morning] and I’ve been out on the track, and I’m just trying to take it all in.” 

The 22-year-old arrived at the Dees from Williamstown, having spent two and half seasons in their VFL side. 

It was a special moment on the Tuesday night at Williamstown, watching the live draft coverage alongside his Seagull teammates. 

“It was an unreal moment,” Fitzgerald said. 

“I was at training, got off the track and went inside and all the boys were watching it so I thought I’d have a peek, and was lucky enough to hear my name get called.

“The boys got around me, and it was great.” 

The defender-turned-midfielder will no doubt hit the ground running as Melbourne looks ahead to the second half of the home-and-away season.