“IT FEELS really great.”

For new Blue Brodie Kemp, the dramatic first round of the 2019 NAB AFL Draft was an experience he won’t forget any time soon.

Kemp was selected with pick No.17 after a live trade that saw the Blues swap their first selection as well as pick No.62 for Nos.17 and 22 (later No.20).

After what was a blockbuster first night, Kemp was relieved to end up in Navy Blue after his name was called.

“It’s still a bit surreal at the moment. I’m definitely looking forward to my future at the Blues and I think they’re heading in the right direction,” Kemp said.

“I’m still struggling to [understand] all of the live trading: I’m a bit confused as many others are!

“It was interesting and at pick No.17 I was finally called out by the Blues. It was a very good feeling.”

A versatile tall, Kemp has shown his ability in any area of the ground over his under-18s career.

Despite towering over his opposition, the youngster’s speed and agility has seen him adapt his game as a big-bodied midfielder in recent times.

“My key strengths for my size are my speed and agility. For over 190cm, I think it can be rare at times and I’m lucky enough to possess those qualities,” he said.

“I think I can achieve my best footy through the midfield. Over the last two years, that’s shown with my transition there and it’s seriously developed my footy.”

Fortunately for Kemp’s midfield aspirations, he will be running out alongside one of the competition’s best when he runs out in the Navy Blue for the first time.

When he returns to Ikon Park (he trained at Carlton for a week as part of the NAB AFL Academy), he knows there isn’t anyone better to learn off as an inspiring inside midfielder.

“Patty Cripps, he’s someone I’ve idolised for a while and I’ve loved how he goes about it,” he said.

“I’m definitely stoked to learn off him and continue to learn off him through my Carlton experience.”