Both players selected by the Swans in the AFL National Draft will arrive in Sydney on the weekend and meet their new team-mates on Monday.

The new boys - Jordan Lockyer from Perth and Alex Brown from Melbourne - said last night they can’t wait to get started.

They will find some familiar faces when they arrive, as both have been team-mates of players already at the Swans.

Lockyer, 18, told sydneyswans.com.au  he was “over the moon’’ after being drafted by the Swans with pick number 43 and was looking forward to seeing his former WA Under 18 team-mate, Tom Mitchell, who has just come to the Club as a father-son draft selection.

“It was very nerve-wracking but I was really excited when Sydney called out my name,’’ Lockyer said.

“I just really want to play AFL, and it didn’t matter where so I’m very happy to move to Sydney.

“And obviously Tom has just got there recently, and he’s a great guy. It will make it easier knowing he’s there,’’ said Lockyer, 18, who has just completed the first year of a sports science degree at university in Perth.

Lockyer’s father, Andrew, played 78 games for the West Coast Eagles between 1987 and 1992. He spent most of his time in defence, which is where the 192cm Jordan is also expected to play.

“I did barrack for the Eagles but I’m just a lover of all footy. The Swans and Eagles have produced some ripper games in the past few years,’’ said Lockyer.

Tom Mitchell rang Jordan last night and says he rates his former WA team-mate highly. “I played with Jordan in WA for the last few years, from the Under 16s onwards. He’s a key position player with good leadership qualities. He was our vice captain this year so he’s definitely going to be a good leader in the future for the Club,’’ Tom said.

“He mainly played centre half back but he can go forward also and kick a goal which is positive. We’ve definitely got a good player and he’s very skilful and a good kick.

“It will be good for him coming to a new place and knowing someone, so hopefully I can help him out and show him around. But Jordan is very professional and mature so he should be able to handle a lot which is good,’’ Tom said.

“I knew he’d get drafted. It was just a matter of which club so I’m very happy to have him at the Swans.’’

Alex Brown was also rapt to hear his name called by the Swans’ Manager of Player Personnel, Kinnear Beatson, with pick 61.

“I’m very, very excited, stunned actually,’’ Alex told sydneyswans.com.au just after the draft finished.

“I was at home with my family, just waiting for my name.  A few of my team-mates at the Oakleigh Chargers got picked earlier, so it was very nerve-wracking.’’

Brown said he was stoked to come to such a great club at Sydney where he will once again play with his former team-mate at Oakleigh, Swans’ defender Alex Johnson.

“Alex was my skipper at the Oakleigh Chargers so it’s really good that he’ll be there. He’s had an awesome year,’’ Brown said.

The 18-year-old, who finished his Year 12 exams at East Doncaster Secondary College last Friday, has had a big week.

He won’t be going away for ‘schoolies’, but he’s not the least bit concerned. “I just can’t wait to get up to Sydney,’’ he said.

Brown will be on a limited program as he is on crutches after a hip operation.
Alex Johnson says his former Oakleigh team-mate was a solid contributor to the club both on and off the field.

“He played half back or the wing and has a really good attack on the ball. He always slotted in well and played his role. And off the field he was good around the club and always offered something which I liked.’’

Brown will be looking to follow in the footsteps of his former captain, Johnson, who was taken with a similar pick - number 57 - in last year’s draft then surpassed expectations when he played 20 senior games as a key plank in the Swans’ defence.