At the start of this year Josh Begley was well and truly off the AFL radar.

But fast forward eight months and Begley is sharing a room with the player he grew up idolising.

Begley began the season playing for local side Upper Ferntree Gully.  

He kicked six goals in the opening game of the season for the Division Three Eastern Football League side.

That performance caught the attention of the Ranges spotters.

They were in attendance for his next game when he booted seven.

By his third game he was running out with the Ranges and continued his goal scoring form with a bag of six.  A month later AFL clubs were arranging interviews.

“I’ve always wanted to play the best footy I can and play against the best in Australia so I’ve always wanted to challenge myself,” Begley said.

“I’ve always played local footy down at Upper Gully and I’d never been down to the Eastern Ranges until this year in about round three.

“It’s all happened pretty quickly but I’m glad to be at the Bombers, it’s a dream come true.”

Essendon landed Begley with the 31^st overall pick.

The recruit arrived at the Club for the first time on Monday and was promptly whisked away to the players’ pre-season camp.

“It has obviously been a bit challenging down at Cerberus but it’s good to get to know all of the boys and spend some good quality time with them,” he said.

One of those players Begley has spent time with is James Kelly.

Begley grew up barracking for Geelong and admired Kelly.  This week they were roommates.

“I’ve definitely been a bit star struck, but it’s been good,” Begley said.

“I barracked for Geelong and looked up to James Kelly.  He was one of my favourite players along with Gary Ablett and Joel Selwood.” 

Begley played 15 games in the TAC Cup this year and booted 26 goals.  He also spent time in the midfield where he averaged 17 touches per game.

He said he wants to work on his endurance over the summer and is looking to split his time between midfield and forward roles when the season does get underway.