Josh Schoenfeld had little expectations going into Tuesday night’s national draft. His performance at the draft combine had seen him emerge from anonymity to potential draftee, but despite his outstanding results in the endurance tests he still wasn’t getting his hopes up.

Of all the clubs, Gold Coast was the keenest according to his manager, Andrew McDougall. But even he thought Schoenfeld’s best opportunity would have been via the rookie draft. Definitely later than pick No. 34 which the SUNS used to scoop up the endurance machine.

“I wasn’t sure if I would go today or maybe wait until Friday (in the rookie draft). What I had heard is maybe later. I wasn’t expecting to go that early,” Schoenfeld told The West Australian following his selection on Tuesday night.

“It is unbelievable. I had interviews and my manager Andrew McDougall said Gold Coast were really interested, but he thought later. In that period I didn’t expect it. Mum just jumped for joy. It was crazy.”

Schoenfeld blew onlookers away at October’s draft combine, breaking the 3km time trial record with a stunning 9 minutes and 15 seconds effort. His performance made all the more greater given he registered the second best Beep Test record in combine history a day earlier – 16.2.

Renowned for his dedication and desire to get the most out of his god given ability, there is little doubt Schoenfeld won’t apply himself to his craft. He is well aware of his areas for improvement, with the teenager determined to add some meat to his wiry frame to help develop his inside game.

“I am going to take every moment and leave no stone unturned. I will be striving to learn as much as I can and make the most of this,” Schoenfeld said.

“I probably need to work on my contested footy. If I build my thighs up more that is going to help me. I am lightly framed, so getting bigger is something that I am going to need to work on.”