As the names of his TAC Cup team mates and opponents were called out early in the draft order, Parker - who was touted by some as a top 20 pick - slipped through to the second round, allowing the Swans to swoop in and claim the talented young midfielder at pick 40.
Speaking to SwansTV ahead of tonight’s AFL Draft took take place on the Gold Coast, Parker recalled the nervous wait he experienced back in 2010.
“I had a few of my mates who went before me and I was pretty rapt for them, but at the same time it was pretty daunting,” Parker said.
“There was a bit of hype that I could go in the top 20, but then I wasn’t too sure what was happening and I hadn’t heard anything from the clubs.
“I was just sitting on the couch with the family and hoping that my number was called out, and it was, at pick 40, so I was rapt.”
Parker with fellow 2010 draftees Matt Spangher, Jed Lamb and coach John Longmire
Following Parker’s meteoric rise over the last four seasons, the Swans will be hoping history repeats itself at tonight’s AFL Draft, with the club holding another second round selection, pick 37, in this year’s draft.
However, while much has been made of Parker’s slip through to the second round in 2010, the young midfielder said his draft number became irrelevant once he arrived at the club.
“The main thing was that I was picked up, I didn’t care if it was at pick 10 or 110,” Parker said.
“The thing is, once you come to the club, no one remembers who the highest draft pick was.
“You just want to earn the respect off the boys and train as hard as you can.”
While the player who is set to become a Swan at pick 37 remains a mystery, the club has already officially committed to selecting six players tonight – four of whom are NSW-based players.
The Swans will officially select QBE Sydney Swans Academy trio Isaac Heeney, Jack Hiscox and Abe Davis, and will also elevate rookies Dan Robinson, Jake Lloyd and Xavier Richards to the senior list.
Parker said the three Academy players, who began pre-season on November 17, were already impressing on the track and were welcome inclusions for the club.
“They’ve been outstanding and I think their attitude has been really good towards training,” Parker said.
“Jack Hiscox is obviously a gifted runner and he’s been at the front in every single session, so it’s great to get athletes like that on the list.
“Isaac as well is just a natural footballer and could have been a top-ten Draft pick I think, so it’s great that we’ve been able to get him and Abe to the club.”
Parker representing the AIS against the Swans in 2010
Parker also highlighted Robinson’s improvement in 2014, and said the midfielder had earned his place on the Swans’ senior list.
“(Dan) has improved massively,” he said.
“He was a top-up player a few years back and took the opportunity and got onto the (rookie) list.
“He worked really, really hard last season and played some really consistent football and has worked on his defensive side as well.
“He’s onto the senior list now and looking forward to a massive year.”
Parker is also looking forward to another big year in 2015, following his stand out 2014 season, which saw him win the Bob Skilton Medal and earn an All-Australian nomination.
The 21-year-old, who enjoyed an extra week off leading into this year’s pre-season, said he was thrilled to be back amongst it at the club.
“I got an extra week off, but it’s my favourite time of year in the pre-season,” he said.
“I love running laps and just getting around the boys, so it’s good to be back.
“I was getting a bit bored at home, so it’s a bit of fun hanging around the boys here all day.”
Parker working hard in the Swans gym this morning
