AFL draft pick keen to show Lions what they missed out on Sunshine Coast Daily
30 November 2019The Buderim 18-year-old was selected with the 43rd pick in the AFL Draft on Thursday night, sparking celebrations from the Maroochydore Roos product and his supporters.
"It's absolutely unreal," he said.
"I just saw my name on the screen and jumped up.
"I had a bit of a tear in my eye and it couldn't have been any better, being among family and friends.
"I've always had that dream of being a professional footy player and that dream has come true, so I'm looking forward to it."
An explosive runner with a damaging left foot kick, Cumberland is determined to make the most of the opportunity.
"I'm looking forward to getting down there (Melbourne) and just getting stuck in, getting myself fit and to have a crack next year and to meet all the players," he said.
"The goal is to train my butt off and be the best I can through pre-season and hopefully show the coaches what I'm made of and hopefully they select me, and I can go through the (pre-season) JLT Cup and get a senior gig.
"That's my dream for next year.
"I've been picked as a professional footy player so if I can better that by playing a senior game next year, there would be nothing better."
The midfielder/forward said his time at the Brisbane Lions Academy helped pave the way for his entry into the elite.
And the Lions had the chance to secure his services by matching the Tigers' bid at the AFL Draft, but they opted out.
Cumberland said "it's not a big issue" but also said it could come back to bite his former club.
"I'm very excited to go to Tigerland and at the end of the day I'm going to have to show them (the Lions) what they missed out on."
Cumberland started playing at the Roos in under-10s after moving from Victoria.
The Mountain Creek High product played in the Roos' senior team in the southeast Queensland Division 1 competition for the past two years, featuring in grand final-winning and losing teams.
Cumberland played for the Lions Academy during their premiership-winning NEAFL campaign, including the grand final.
He also impressed for the Allies (Queensland, NSW, ACT, NT and Tasmania) at the national under-18 championships, which earned him an invitation to the Draft Combine.
It was at the annual test among 79 prospects at Melbourne in October where he placed fifth in the 20m sprint (2.93sec) and eighth in agility (8.20sec).
His parents Jason and Jess have shared his journey to the AFL.
And dad's a renowned Collingwood fan but it seems he's had a change of loyalty of late, according to Noah.
"He's put on his yellow and black. He's switched. He's a Tiger," he said.
https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/teen-presses-for-game-time-after-becoming-a-tiger/3890938/
