“I was at home watching the names come up on the computer,” McCarthy explained. “In fact there were two computers going at the one time on the table, but my name popped up on the other computer rather than the one I was watching.

 “Suddenly the people on the other side of the table went nuts and I was just sitting there. Finally my name came up on my computer, just as I started getting smacked around the head. I was just speechless.

 “When the other names started to be called my heart was going at a million miles an hour, and when my name got picked out it went at a billion miles an hour. It’s only just starting to sink in now.”

 Termed “an aggressive tall defender who can go forward in a pinch”, and “an above-average speed for a man of his size coupled with an ability to take a strong grab”, McCarthy secured All-Australian under-18 honours this year after averaging 17 disposals at 70 per cent efficiency during the 2010 NAB AFL U18 Championships.

 At 18, Glenelg’s budding centre half-back, said he harboured a great hope to pursue an AFL career with a Melbourne-based League powerhouse whose President is acknowledged as one of the Bays’ greatest sons.

 “I’m rapt, couldn’t be happier. It’s something I’m really looking forward to,” said McCarthy, who will carry his kit bag through the doors of Visy Park for the first time next week.

 “I’m moving to Carlton, one of the biggest clubs in Melbourne . . . and I know about the Glenelg connection with ‘Sticks’ (Stephen Kernahan) ‘Gibbsy’ (Bryce Gibbs) and (Mark) Austin. It’s been a good run and hopefully I can continue that run.”