SALESIAN College student Taylor Hine is driving in football's fast lane.
The 17 year old signed on the dotted line with the AFL's new franchise Gold Coast last Monday - overtaking some of the nation's elite under-18s in the race for an elusive contract.
The boy from Sunbury admits this "unbelievable" opportunity was presented a lot quicker than he envisaged after two years with the Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup.
"Earlier in the year a few people asked about the possibility of me going to the Gold Coast," he said. "I didn't think I was a chance because there's a lot of good quality young kids out there.
"How I played later in the year was probably what warranted me a spot."
Hine came second in the Cannons' best-and-fairest - not bad for a bottom-age player still eligible to feature in the under-18s next year.
He also played a massive part in the Cannons premiership, featuring in the grand final victory over the Dandenong Stingrays.
"Being able to play every game with a quality side made it easier," he said.
"You couldn't ask for anything more."
Hine will trade the dreary Melbourne weather for sun, sand and surf of the Gold Coast.
He has vowed to keep his eyes on the football and his girlfriend Amanda will make sure of that.
"She's happy for me," he said.
"She knows it's an unbelievable opportunity for me and we'll work through it."
Hine will meet his host family in the coming weeks for pre-season training and will be part of the GC17 entry to the Victorian Football League next winter.
It is a dream come true for the former Rupertswood junior.
Football was in the bloodlines, with his great uncle Allan Woodley a best and fairest winner for Hawthorn in the 1950s and two of his uncles playing for Victoria in the Teal Cup.
While Hine idolised former Essendon superstar James Hird, it is his dad Trevor and mum Joanne, and his brothers Josh, a premiership player with Rupertswood in the Victorian Amateur Football Association, and James who have had the biggest impact on his life.
"Everyone was excited and congratulated me," Hine said.
"The other day Mum finally let her true feelings show and got a bit emotional.
"At least playing in the VFL, I'll get to see them all every second week, which will make it a bit easier."
Hine impressed with his ability to break the lines off half-back.
He is speedy, athletic and above all willing to take on instructions.
"I'm lightly framed so I am going to try and build up my strength over the pre-season. Talking to [GC17 recruiting manager] Scott Clayton and [coach] Guy McKenna, they want me to play half-back and midfield because they think I'm quick."
Cannons regional manager Ian Kyte said Hine had made dramatic improvement to his mindset in the past six months.
"We think he's always had the skill and the talent to play footy at a good level," he said.
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