This time last year Andrew Boston was quietly confident that he would be making the move to Melbourne to pursue a career in footy. Fast forward a few weeks and he was no longer even sure he’d ever get a chance to play AFL at an elite level.

While many had told him he was a surety to get drafted, his name wasn’t called up in the 2012 National Draft, albeit having a number of accolades to his name.

“I was actually at the draft, at the draft night – that was pretty dumb,” he laughs.

“I was actually at the draft, at the draft night – that was pretty dumb.” Andrew Boston

“You have people come around and tell you that you’re a pretty good chance. When it didn’t happen, I just remember that night that I was devastated, that my whole football career was based around that and it didn’t end up happening.”

He admits that while he tried to remain upbeat about his prospects, he felt his dreams rapidly slipping away from him.

“I remember talking to my dad afterwards and just, talking, saying just look to the next bit and to be positive about it. And you know, at that time it’s pretty hard to be positive about it. “

But a few weeks later the Gold Coast Suns, who picked him with their first selection in the Rookie Draft, threw the confident youngster a lifeline.

“Yeah that was an awesome phone call, that I’d been rookie listed at the Suns. That was a big relief. It was a wake up call, turning from being disappointed to happy. It was good to just turn up and be a part of it. It was good to finally get there. “

Hailing from the Gold Coast, Boston didn’t have to move far. In fact, he didn’t have to move at all. His junior years were spent at Broadbeach Football Club, before being invited in to the Gold Coast Suns Talent Academy.

“I always wanted to play senior football. I remember watching senior football when I was 14 years of age and just thinking, I want to play that.”

Although he has now made it on to the big stage, Boston hasn’t forgotten where he has come from, getting back to his old club to help out when he can.

“It’s good being back at the club and helping out. It’s good to give back. Gary’s always the crowd favourite though,” he laughs.

While Boston has achieved the first past of his childhood dream, he recognises that the hard work is far from over.