Aaron Cadman's not naive, he's heard the hype surrounding his early footballing career.
He's just got no idea where it's all come from.
The 18-year-old is widely tipped to be selected with pick one by the GWS Giants at tonight's AFL Draft.
"I've kind of just shot straight up (the rankings)," Cadman said.
"I'm just as confused as everyone else when I see that stuff."
Whether it's a case of false modesty or genuine befuddlement is up for debate.
Stand-out games for VicCountry have resulted in comparisons to former Giant Jeremy Cameron.
And, like Cameron, it's his versatility and agility that are proving hard to match.
Cadman was moved from a wing to the forward line in the past 12 months, something that's turned him into a revelation in the eyes of draft watchers.
"It's all thanks to the (Greater Western Victoria) Rebels coaches," Cadman said.
"They sat me down at the start of the year and said we might throw you down forward and see how you go.
"Thank God he did because it worked."
Sleepless near Sebastopol
Cadman is trying not to let the pre-draft nerves get to him.
But that's proving easier said than done.
"This is almost every kid's dream and I'm nearly living it," he said.
"It's been a dream since day one starting Auskick when I was nine years old and coming up through the ranks with Darley.
He said he was nervous and excited.
"I'm struggling to sleep it's just I don't know it's just a dream come true," he said.
If selected with the opening pick of the draft, Cadman will be the second western Victorian draft-topper in three years, following the footsteps of Framlingham forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan in 2020.
The AFL Draft will be held over two nights, with the first 20 selections made at Docklands tonight.
The remainder of the draft will be conducted at the same venue from Tuesday night.
