Ryley Stoddart wasn't always the line-breaking defender he'd been touted as ahead of Friday night's National Draft. 

He'd played forward for a bulk of his junior football, but a move to defence shortly after landing on the Eastern Ranges' list earlier this year slingshotted the 18-year-old under the noses of AFL scouts and into draft calculations.

It was Ranges coach Darren Bewick who pulled the trigger but it was Stoddart who repaid the faith and now it's the Sydney Swans who will enjoy the spoils after swooping on the talented youngster with their third-round selection (pick 53).

"I made the switch this year, I was never in the TAC Cup program so when I got there they thought I'd be more suited as a defender and that's how it went," Stoddart said.

"I really enjoyed the position change, I wasn't only playing better but I was enjoying my footy more.

"I think it allowed me to use my attributes to the best of my ability.

"(Getting drafted) was always the dream but didn't know it was that realistic until halfway through this year."

With a 183cm and 74kg frame, Stoddart's classed as a medium-sized defender but gives nothing away in regards to effort against taller opponents.

Both coach John Longmire and recruiting manager Kinnear Beatson loves his work ethic and believes he'll offer plenty of run, carry and good ball use off half-back.

"My strengths are my speed, kicking and evasiveness," Stoddart said.

"I pride myself on being able to play tall or small.

"My competitveness; I don't like to use whether it's games or a one-on-one contest.

"I can't wait (to get to Sydney). I know it'll be a challenge to get a game but it's one I'll be up for."

Stoddart joins Geelong Falcons pair Matthew Ling and Tom McCartin as the newest members of the Sydney Swans Family.