The parents of recently recruited Sydney Swans wingman Justin McInerney know a thing or two about high achievement.

His dad John is the deputy principal of Melbourne’s Our Lady of Sion College and his mum Lila the principal of the state’s Mercy College, positions that see them show the way for kids as they chase their most inspired hopes and dreams.

November’s AFL Draft saw Justin conquer his grandest dream of all, with the 18-year-old Northern Knights speedster striking a deal with the Swans via their third-round selection.

He watched on with his dad, mum and older brother Chris from the living room of their Viewbank home – his older sister Beck was overseas at the time – and to say the least, his family was ecstatic as his name rung out.

“We’re all very, very proud of Justin,” his dad John told Swans Media.

“It’s great to see Justin living his dream. Draft day was without doubt one of the best days of my life. People talk about when they get married and when they have children – and we’ve experienced all of that – but as they grow, you want the best for them and you want them to achieve at the highest.”

Justin told Swans Media on his first day in red and white his eyes weren’t glued to the television on draft day; his head was buried in his phone.

There was no need to tune in as the early picks of the draft ambled by; Justin and his family wouldn’t hear his name, if announced, until later in the day.

But the Swans would snap up the Marcellin College graduate through pick 44, his eyes lighting up and heart leaping out of his chest as his family, in the words of his dad John, lapped up the elation of “an extraordinary moment”.

“My wife and I got home from work that afternoon, Chris was at home and our daughter Beck was overseas at the time, and we all sat down in front of the television,” John said.

“It was just after lunch. I don’t think any of us had eaten but we were a bit too nervous to eat. We sat and waited, we were very, very hopeful, and we certainly believed he was capable of getting drafted, but you never know.

“Then when it happened, I don’t think I’ve experienced a moment like it, to be honest. The whole family was able to enjoy it, and we got around him and got around each other. We screamed and hugged and high-fived. It was fantastic.

“He’s always been a very good footballer, but to dream of reaching that particular height – only a very small number make it. But I think at the back of his mind he perhaps would have once thought, ‘Wow, one day, how good would it be to be out there playing AFL football’. And he’s come good.”

Justin was one of seven players signed by the Swans at November’s drafts, joining Nick Blakey, James Rowbottom, Zac Foot, Durak Tucker, Harry Reynolds and Sam Wicks in red and white.

On the Friday afternoon of the AFL Draft, Justin hadn’t the foggiest idea of whether he’d be at the Swans or West Coast Eagles, or Collingwood, the Brisbane Lions or Adelaide Crows, or whether he’d even realise his AFL dream.

But on Sunday, two days later, he was on a flight to Sydney, on Monday he was in Moore Park for the opening training session of the Swans’ pre-season and, now that he’s returned from the Christmas break, he’s in overdrive on the road to Round 1.

Justin’s mum, dad and brother spent last week in Sydney getting a glimpse of the youngster’s new life.

They were boundary-side at Moore Park’s Bat and Ball Oval on Wednesday and Friday, were taken on a tour of the SCG-based club and made the most of their time in stunning Coogee.

From left: Justin McInerney's brother Chris, mum Lila and dad John visiting the club last week.

Justin’s dad John says his son’s new journey has made for a rapid-fire matter of months, but he’s certain his young boy is well positioned to grab his chance at the Swans with both hands.

“To go home that Friday, and everybody’s there together as a family, and then two days later Justin’s on a plane, heading to Sydney, moving out of home, moving in with other people and having to look after himself – it’s amazing to think about,” John said.

“It’s a whirlwind, but you hope you’ve prepared him for that next step in his life.”

Justin and his entire family had always been Carlton die-hards, but they’ve ever since been packing anything navy blue into a bag and transforming their home into a world of red and white.

His brother Chris has already made an old pair of Jake Lloyd's boots his own.

Justin’s father John said they had to do all they could to give him their full backing, and he insists they’re a sure bet to be in the stands for his first game.

“We’ve jumped on board the Swans big time,” John said.

“We want to support him as much as we possibly can. We certainly were die-hard Carlton supporters and we hope the Blues do well this year, but we now hope the Swans do better.

“We’ll be there with bells on to see him in Round 1, and if we can be there for every game we’ll try to do that.”