Rookie recruit Bradley Lynch had to be woken up last Friday morning to find out he was the Western Bulldogs’ newest recruit.

The West Australian was taken with pick number 11 in the AFL rookie draft, and says it took a few moments to sink in.

“I was in bed, I got a call from Wayne McCraw (Bulldogs recruiting officer), mum came running in and said the draft’s on.

“I ran out into the kitchen where the computer was and the draft was going on and all the selections were coming in.

“The first selection in the rookie draft for the Bulldogs and my name had been read out.

“I had a look at the screen for a few minutes and I just couldn’t believe it, it hadn’t sunk in straight away I was a bit shocked.”

Lynch was recruited from the Swan Districts for his decision-making and excellent foot skills.

The 18-year-old was headed on a plane from Perth to Melbourne within 48 hours, and arrived at the Club for his first day on Monday.

Lynch will wear the number 36 guernsey in 2016, made famous by Jose Romero and more recently, Brian Lake.

Lynch says sitting underneath famous names, and seeing his alongside it has been an awakening experience.

“Looking at it now, it’s a bit surprising from where I’ve come.

“Sitting at my locker and looking at my name and my number, it’s pretty scary.”