AS the Sydney Swans read out young livewire forward Jed Lamb’s name with their first round selection - pick 21 overall - at the 2010 AFL National Draft on the Gold Coast, a small pub in rural Victoria erupted with excitement.  

Lamb was watching the draft with about 60 family and friends at the Commercial Hotel in Yarram, when he learned he was going to be a Sydney Swan.

Lamb is a renowned goal kicker and his penchant for the miraculous has earned him comparisons to Geelong’s Steve Johnson and West Coast Eagles danger man Mark LeCras.

"I'm a bit over the moon, I don't know what to do or say but I'm absolutely rapt to go to the Swans," Lamb said.

"They've got a new coach and they're on the way up. There's plenty of excitement there and I can't wait to go up and start training."

Lamb’s hometown, Yarram, has a population of 3000. "It's a big move. I've been to Sydney once when I played up there for Vic Country."

The 18-year-old is the second youngest of eight children, who were raised by their mother, Kerrie.

Lamb’s childhood was marred by tragedy, when his father was brutally murdered when Jed was just seven years of age.

Lamb told Thursday’s The Age of the impact his father's death had on the family.

“Mum's just been an inspiration, raising all us kids like she has. She did everything for us, and we all stuck together,” he said.

''Looking back, I can't even remember what I did or what I thought or even what mum told us. As I've grown up I guess I've understood more about it, but all I remember is how close we were. I think what we've been through has just brought us all closer together.''

Swans coach John Longmire said the Cub’s strategy with pick 21, was to simply select the best available player.

“Jed is a very smart player. He's a good mark for his size, creative, and very good in one-on-one contests whether in the air or on the ground. And he can kick goals too,” he said. 

“He has played in the midfield and at half back and could fill a number of different roles for us."

Should Lamb rise to make his AFL debut in 2011, he is unlikely to be missed, given his natural flair and preference for a pair of flamboyant yellow boots.