Drafted on Thursday, on the plane on Sunday and on the track on Monday. It’s been a whirlwind week for Canberran and new SUN Cooper Bell.

The towering ruck arrived for his first day of duties as an AFL player on Monday still riding the ‘surreal’ feeling of being drafted with Pick 49 during the Telstra AFL Draft just days prior.

While admitting a 2km time trial was a tough initiation, the 199cm Giants Academy product is thrilled to get started on the Gold Coast

“It (Day 1) was hard. Doing the 2k and then coming here for a session in the hot sun. It’s hard, but you know, have to take it on,” Bell said.

“Everyone has been so welcoming. I’m only a couple of hours in, but it’s been really good so far.”

Bell’s named was called by the SUNS following a trade of selections in the third round of Thursday night’s draft which allowed Gold Coast to select him with Pick 49.

“I had a little indication (of the SUNS’ interest) but it was just so surreal… being picked up by them and just being picked up in general,” Bell added.

“I had pretty much had one day off. Celebrations on Thursday night… I had nothing packed so Friday was just pack everything.”

His new surroundings aren’t totally foreign to Bell having played alongside fellow draftee Leo Lombard in the Allies squad at last year’s National Championships.

Bell, who turns 18 on Saturday, says SUNS fans can expect commitment at every contest.

“I really just model my game on just going hard at every contest, taking big marks… I love a big mark.

“Everyone here seems like really good blokes so I’m looking forward to making some good friends and getting to know the group.”