Tara Murray
Western Jets’ co-captain Massimo D’Ambrosio is still waiting for the realisation that he’s an AFL player to sink in.
Having missed out on being drafted last year, D’Ambrosio worked hard on his game to take it to the next level.
It worked with the Bombers picking the Point Cook footballer at pick three in the AFL mid-season draft on Wednesday.
For the 19-year-old, it’s a dream come true.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” he said on Thursday. “I still don’t know what to think.
“I went down there to meet with the welfare guys and had a bit of a tour of the club.
“I’m looking forward to what is to come and I’m really grateful for the opportunity.”
D’Ambrosio spent draft night with a big group of family and friends, who had supported him along the way.
He said he had no idea Essendon was going to take him at pick three, with several clubs interested in him.
For D’Ambrosio a change in mindset during the off-season proved to be the catalyst for his form this year.
He managed to play in the Victorian Football League for Richmond as well as his NAB League commitments.
“I did what I had to do and everything else was out of my control,” he said. “I tried not to worry too much [about what the media/clubs were saying].
“I definitely worked really hard on a couple of things and got back down to business.
“I was really enjoying my football and was able to play some good footy.”
The defender said it’s hard to say goodbye to the Western Jets midway through the season, but said they were in good hands.
While D’Ambrosio is keen to get out on the field for the Bombers, he will have to wait a few weeks.
A partially torn muscle in his shoulder, means it’ll be rehab for the first few weeks. Contracted until the end of next year, he has plenty of time to make himself at home.
“I’ll do all the rehab to get back on the park,” he said. “I’m very keen to get back out there.
“I’ve definitely got goals in place. I want to earn the respect of my teammates and crack into the AFL side.
“I want to use all the resources and enjoy every single moment.”
Point Cook Football Club on its Facebook congratulated D’Ambrosio on being selected.
“Massimo is the first Point Cook player to be drafted by an AFL club. The club sends a massive congratulations to Massimo, his parents Louie and Nadia and siblings Marco and Alana. We wish him all the best for the future.
Western Jets coach Robbie Chancellor said in the lead up to the draft, that D’Ambrosio had been an absolute star and was making the most of being able to play football after a number of injury setbacks and COVID-19.
Essendon national recruiting manager Rob Forster-Knight said the Bombers were pleased with their two selections.
D’Ambrosio was one of two players selected by the Bombers, with South Australian Jye Menzie being taken at pick 18.
“We are really happy with our selections tonight, both Massimo and Jye will bring different aspects to our line-up,” Forster-Knight said.
“Massimo is a really exciting player who plays off the halfback line and is a really good ball user and has shown he can set up lots of play through his time at the VFL and Western Jets.”
