Swans recruit Tyrone Leonardis has described his excitement after his AFL dream was realised on Tuesday night.

Leonardis was at home with family and friends when the Swans selected him with Pick 51 at the National Draft with the announcement triggering a round of congratulatory hugs and tears at his Melbourne home.

Recruited from the Northern Knights, Leonardis said he received the biggest hug from his mum.

“The whole family jumped on me, mum started crying,” Leonardis said.

“I’m over the moon. It has always been a dream of mine to play AFL, now that has come true.

“I’m so lucky to join the Swans and can’t wait to get started.”

Leonardis was the subject of scrutiny in the hours following the draft after he liked a Facebook page earlier this year which criticised Adam Goodes.

An apologetic Leonardis said he had made a poor error of judgement.

“I’m extremely sorry for my actions and it is something that I have already learnt a great deal from,” he said.

“I am grateful to have been selected by the Swans and I can’t wait to get up to Sydney to start pre-season training.”

At 182cm and 82kg, Leonardis was described by Recruitment and List Strategy Manager Kinnear Beatson as an exciting player with an ability to break defensive lines with his pace and penetrating left-foot.

A standout in his five games for Vic Metro at this year’s Under 18 Championships, the 18-year-old was targeted to help fill a void left by the recent departures of Rhyce Shaw and Lewis Jetta.

“I’ve looked up to Rhyce Shaw all my life. He played my position so I used to watch him a lot,” Leonardis added.

Leonardis is expected to join fellow draftees Callum Mills and Jordan Dawson at the Club later this week.