The last week has been an unforgettable time in Luke Pedlar’s life.

The young Limestone Coast football star became just the third AFL player from Kingston after he was drafted by the Adelaide Crows at pick 11 in the 2020 draft.

Some were surprised the Crows used their second first-round pick on Pedlar, but the 18-year-old was just thrilled his lifelong ambition became a reality.

“It has not sunk in yet to be honest,” Pedlar said. “It was a big shock when my name was called out and I was gob-smacked, speechless and could not even talk properly. “It took a lot of hard work and dedication to get where I am, so it was a great feeling and I cannot wait to get started.”

Pedlar joins Collingwood’s Michael Taylor and Melbourne’s Daniel Bell as AFL listed players from the home of the Big Lobster and said he dreamt of reaching the sport’s elite level from a very early age.

“I have played footy ever since I could walk and hold a ball,” he said. “I followed AFL pretty closely growing up and always dreamt of playing.”

Pedlar’s love of football was sparked in Mount Gambier after he was born in the Blue Lake city.

He said his birthplace still held a special place in his heart. “I spent my whole childhood in Mount Gambier, so I used to walk to Mulga Street Primary School and do Auskick and Milo Cricket,” Pedlar said.

“A couple of my best friends are from there, so I go back a little bit, but not much anymore.”

Pedlar moved to Kingston with his family when he was six and it was at his new home where the youngster’s talent blossomed.

Playing for the Kingston Saints, Pedlar started in Junior Colts as an eight-year-old and quickly developed an appetite to perform at the highest level possible.

At the tender age of 15 he made his A Grade debut and did not look back. Pedlar said he loved challenging himself at the Saints and was thankful for the club’s support.

“I have always aimed to play the highest level of sport I could growing up, so I gave anything to make me a better player a crack,” he said. “I played at Kingston for six years and a lot of people taught me many things about football and life in general. “I cannot thank them enough and will always give back whenever I can.”

While Pedlar was turning heads in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League, he was doing the same on the cricket pitch and after moving to Prince Alfred College before Year 11, the talented sportsman was forced to make a tough choice between his two loves.

“I also played cricket all the way through and made it to the Under 12, 15 and 17 state sides and also played for Kensington,” he said.

“But I could not play both, so I had to make a tough decision. “I do not think I could quit footy and just play cricket, so that was how I made the call and it has worked out for me so far.”

After overcoming injury issues and a shoulder reconstruction in 2019, Pedlar enjoyed a big 2020 season as the captain of Prince Alfred College and a top performer in Glenelg’s Under 18’s side.

The solid left-foot kicker burst onto the scene with a huge performance against eventual premiers Norwood and during the season demonstrated his ability to smash into packs, collect the contested ball and even hit the scoreboard from the midfield.

Many football experts have described Pedlar as a hard footballer and the youngster said that is his favourite part of the game. “I love crashing in, tackling and winning the contested football,” Pedlar said.

“I have always enjoyed that part of the game and I also like kicking goals and trying to take a hanger.”

Ironically, Pedlar was a big North Melbourne supporter growing up and his beloved Roos lost the 1998 AFL Grand Final to the Crows.

However, Pedlar has been overwhelmed by the South Australian club’s support since arriving at West Lakes. “I cannot actually remember that much to be honest, but I could not be happier,” he said.

“We went straight into the club Friday morning and were given our uniform, lockers and numbers, which was special. “We were introduced to the group by the national recruiting manager Hamish Ogilvie and coach Matthew Nicks, so it was good to get around the boys who made us feel welcome.

“The main session on Saturday morning was great because we finally got onto the track and touched the footy.”

To help Pedlar settle in at his new home, he is staying with defender Tom Doedee, while the new talent has been blown away by the commitment of the likes of Taylor Walker, Tom Lynch, Reilly O’Brien and his roommate.

After experiencing the emotional high of achieving his dream, Pedlar cannot wait to sink his teeth into pre-season, help Adelaide rise from the bottom of the ladder and even make his AFL debut.

“There is a great vibe out there at the moment and the boys are having a lot of fun,” he said. “What Nicksy has infiltrated into the boys is looking really good on the track, so I think there is a lot of upside this season.

“At the moment I am just trying to take everything in from the guys and be as professional as I can. “My main goal is just getting my body right for AFL football.”