The former Rats junior and North Ballarat Rebels under-18 TAC Cup player had a nervous wait but was eventually taken by the Blues in the fourth round.

Williamson said he had not expected to be picked by Carlton, but was relieved to hear his name called out.

“I am just stoked for everyone that has been helping me, not only myself but everyone involved,” he said.

“My family were probably the biggest support – I got the opportunity to go down to school at St Pat’s and I am forever thankful for that.

“Than you go back to the Ararat coaches, the coaches at the rebels, Phil Partington, Gerald Fitzgerald and David Loader and what they have done for me

“They have made me the player I have become.”

Williamson first played football with the Mounties in the Ararat District Junior Football Association, where his was coached by his father Allister.

He then joined the Rats before he made the decision to move to Ballarat’s St Patrick’s College in year 8.

The North Ballarat Rebels selected him in the TAC Cup under-18 competition where impressive performances saw him picked in the Vic Country representative team.

His father Allister said Tom had worked harder than most young players to achieve his long-held dream of reaching the AFL.

“We are just so proud of him, we know all the hard work he has put in, it is so fulfilling for him to get the opportunity to go down and do it all,” Allister said.

“Tom has had the dream for a long of time – he moved away from home to St Pat’s in year 8 – he did all that because he saw St Pat’s was such a good school and had so many kids drafted.

“He has worked really hard, harder than a lot of people I think, with his running and weights.”

There was a large crowd of family and friends at the Williamson household in Ararat to congratulate and celebrate the announcement on Friday night.

Williamson said he was looking forward to getting started with the Blues.

“There are so many great players there,” he said.

“it is such a historic club and it is great to be involved.”

Allister said the journey was only just beginning for his son, but he had no doubt Tom had the motivation to succeed.

“It is now about working hard at his opportunities,” he said.

“It is the start now for something else for Tom, another starting point, I know he won’t take the opportunity lightly.

“He has never been a kid who was touted as a star in all the programs, but he just works extra hard to get the opportunity.

“He won’t get sidetracked and he will make every post a winner I hope.”