TWELVE months ago, Emerson Woods was nervously waiting for her name to be called at the 2018 NAB AFL Women's Draft.

Not in her wildest dreams could she predict what was ahead of her.

A lifelong Bluebagger, the emotion got the better of a thrilled Woods when she was taken at pick No.38 by Carlton.

Woods reflected on the “surreal” experience ahead of next week’s draft in the first instalment of Carlton’s Road to the Draft.

“It was always quite a possibility for me as I was going through the ranks from local football but just to be there on the day, it was pretty surreal,” Woods said.

“It was very unexpected to be honest: I didn’t have much communication with Carlton before getting drafted.

“It was pretty surreal because obviously barracking for them my whole life.”

Woods recalls the moment she heard her name called and the emotional moments after when she knew she was set to pull on the Navy Blue.

It wasn’t long before the Game Changers - who had all of a sudden become her teammates - were welcoming Woods ahead of the 2019 season.

“’Loynesy’ came up to me straight away and I was kind of a bit teary and emotional,” she said after being selected.

“I had a lot of people [message me] from Carlton. All the girls pretty much got in contact with me.

“Also a few of the guys messaged me, which was pretty supportive and cool because I obviously looked up to them a lot.”

For the draft hopefuls heading into next week, Woods had one piece of advice for the big day.

“Don’t be as stressed as I was. Relax, take it easy and just enjoy the night.”