North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson didn't waste any time attempting to learn some of his new players, with it being revealed he jetted off to South Australia to take draftee Blake Thredgold out to breakfast.
Thredgold was the first name called on night two of the national draft, as the Kangaroos selected him with Pick 26.
National recruiting and retention manager Will Thursfield said that following the club's selection, Clarkson immediately stated his intention to go and meet the Sturt player.
And he wasn't kidding.
"It was a last-minute Clarko gem," Thursfield told NMFC Media.
"As soon as we got into the draft (on Thursday night), Clarko said, 'I think I might go over and take him out for brekkie in the morning'.
"He was that bullish on what he'd seen. He jumped on the 8:30 pm flight straight from the draft, flew to Adelaide and took Blake out for breakfast in the morning."
Thredgold was impressed by his new coach's efforts, and said he was "grateful" to have him as his coach.
"He was so welcoming and easy to talk to. I didn't feel nervous at all," according to the club'
"I feel so grateful to have him as my coach. I can't wait to get to the club and start work with him."
The Kangaroos are excited by the South Australian, who, throughout his draft year, showcased some tremendous athleticism and strengths in defence that will suit the rebuilding side.
North Melbourne were on the lookout for backline assistance for Toby Pink and Charlie Comben.
"He is a terrific athlete. He's got elite speed and vertical leap, super long arms," Thursfield said.
"You will have seen in his highlights that he can really jump and mark it, but he can defend a player as well.
"He sort of sealed (his selection) in the (SANFL) under-18s grand final where he blanketed another good player in Mitch Marsh and won the best-on-ground medal."
