After being picked up by the Hawks with selection 31 in Thursday night’s 2014 National Draft, hawthornfc.com.au caught up with Daniel Howe.

Kate Salemme: Welcome to the Hawks Dan. How did you follow the draft?
Daniel Howe: I was at home with my parents. I didn’t want to invite anyone over in case it didn’t happen – I didn’t think I was a certainty to get picked up.

After my name was called out a few people came over and we celebrated.

KS: How were the nerves in the lead-up?
DH: I was very nervous. It was the longest day I’ve ever had and probably the longest week ever. Thankfully though everything worked out well and now I’m at Hawthorn.

KS: You’ve been through it before, you didn’t get picked up last year, did you do anything differently this year?
DH: I put all my focus into football and trying to get drafted. Having a full with the Murray Bushrangers was really good for me to get to know the coaches and the players really well and having that training continuity. That was something I didn’t have the year before because I was at school.

KS: Does it make it any more special given you had to wait an extra year?
DH: I think it does. It makes you grateful for the opportunity. I’m lucky enough to get the opportunity as a 19-year-old but if it didn’t happen this year, it might not have and I wouldn’t be sitting here with a Hawthorn polo on.

KS: How do you feel about joining Hawthorn? Is it daunting joining the back-to-back premiers?
DH: I’m really excited. Hawthorn has so much experience on its list and obviously so many great players. I’m looking forward to getting stuck into it and meeting all the boys.

KS: Have any of your new teammates or coaches contacted you?
DH: ‘Clarko’ has messaged me and so have most of the boys, which is something I really appreciate.

KS: What kind of player are you?
DH: I’m a pretty versatile player, I can play almost anywhere on the ground. I’ve played mostly at half-back and used my good composure, decision-making and foot skills to advantage.

KS: Did you think Hawthorn was interested or going to select you?
DH: I knew they were somewhat interested because the recruiters came down to my house two weeks before the draft but I thought I might be in contention at their later picks. I didn’t know or think I would be the first pick.

I was pretty stoked when I heard my name.

KS: Was there another club you thought you might have been picked by?
DH: I thought Adelaide might take me. They called me the night before to say good luck and I guess that they hoped they got me.

But Hawthorn obviously got in first, I guess.

Daniel Howe in his new Hawks polo.