When Michael Close was selected with the Brisbane Lions’ final pick at the 2012 NAB AFL National Draft (No.32 overall), most fans were left searching the internet to find more information about the North Ballarat Rebels’ big man.

But the Lions recruiters were more than familiar with the 18 year-old, having closely monitored his progress for some time.

At 195cm and with an elite running ability (he recorded a 15.6 beep test), the Lions saw Close as the sort of player who, after a few years of development, could potentially fill a key role up forward.

And what better mentor to learn from than superstar centre half-forward, and Lions Captain Jonathan Brown.

“I don’t want to get in his way, that’s for sure,” Close told lions.com.au.

“I look forward to learning a lot from him.”

Brown was among the first people to contact Close to congratulate him on joining the Club - a phone call which left the young country Victorian a little star struck.

“It hasn’t really sunk in to be honest, I’m still a bit overwhelmed from getting phone calls from the likes of Michael Voss and Jonathan Brown, and a couple of texts from the other boys,” he said.

“It’s very surreal.”

Close watched the Draft at home with his family in the hope that he would hear his name read out.

“We got Austar about two weeks ago just so we could watch it at our home,” Close said.

“There had been some interest show at times throughout the year and closer towards the Draft, but I had no idea who I was going to go to - or if I would get drafted at all.”

“I’m just rapt to be on an AFL list, and with the Brisbane Lions.”

“It’s good to get reward for all the hard work, and is a good opportunity for me.”

The move to Queensland also holds no fears for the independent teenager.

“I’m look forward to (the move). (Brisbane) has perfect weather and I’ve been boarding since Year 9 so moving out of home isn’t much of an issue for me.”