Tiger strike stuns a gunRussell Reid,
The West Australian
November 23, 2012Peel teenager Kamdyn McIntosh had prepared for the worst yesterday, before the euphoria of being drafted by Richmond.
Despite being widely regarded as a potential top-50 selection, tall defender McIntosh said he was stunned when the Tigers snared him with their second pick and No.31 overall in the national draft.
"I was thinking whatever happens, happens and so be it," McIntosh said. "I was preparing for the worst, to be honest, so the fact that I got picked up by Richmond was just awesome.
"I was at home with my family out in Pinjarra- Ravenswood way and with a couple of close mates.
"As soon as I heard my name we all went crazy."
McIntosh said being drafted was a reward for hard work and he had no qualms about moving interstate.
"I'm just stoked that I got picked up because I've worked so much for this moment," he said.
"I just want to play the best footy I can and I'm really thankful that Richmond gave me that opportunity. I can't wait to start there."
While life is about to change significantly for McIntosh, it is also about to get a whole lot busier in the Pinjarra family's household where he has been a father figure in a real-life version of The Brady Bunch.
McIntosh's mother Carol and her partner are involved in fly-in, fly-out work, and his father Clayton lives in Karratha.
The 18-year-old is the third of nine children spread throughout the State. The oldest, 22-year-old Logan, no longer lives at home and sister Courtney, 20, recently moved to Karratha to be closer to Clayton and siblings Ethan, 5, and Ella, 3.
That has left McIntosh, 16-year-old sister Brooke and the daughters of Carol's boyfriend, Hannah, 11, Isobell, 7, and Jorja, 6, living in Pinjarra.
Whenever their parents are working away, McIntosh and Brooke look after the youngsters with some help from a nanny, Doris.
McIntosh said his mother might be making some changes when he moves.
His father has played a big role in his football life.
"My dad, he's been so influential and has so much positive feedback for me," McIntosh said.
"He's always there for me and always has something good to say to me."
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/afl/15455156/tiger-strike-stuns-a-gun/
