AFL Draft 2022: West Coast draftee Harry Barnett says Nic Naitanui mentorship is ‘best opportunity possible’

To be the best, you’ve got to learn from the best. And West Coast draftee Harry Barnett believes there is no better mentor for him as a developing ruckman than Eagles star Nic Naitanui. Barnett’s lessons could get underway as early as this week after the club swooped on the West Adelaide product with pick 23 on Tuesday night. “I’m buzzing. I still haven’t really processed it that I’m on an AFL list,” Barnett told The West Australian. “To get my name called at the Eagles... I was super stoked. “It’s such a great club and to be with Nic Nat is just the best opportunity possible. “He’s just a beast. When the ball hits the deck he’s just like an extra midfielder and that’s the comparison I’ve got over the years. “But I know that I’ve got so much work to do to actually make it to that next level. To be able to work with him will be an unreal experience.” Barnett, 18, said his phone had been ringing “off the hook” with West Coast players and staff reaching out but he was yet to speak directly to Naitanui. “I don’t think he’s called. He might have and I’ve missed it - I’d feel pretty bad if that was the case,” he said. Barnett, the first ruckman to be selected in this year’s draft, supported local club Adelaide growing up. But his and his family’s allegiances have already been thrown out the window - or rather, into the trash. “I grew up as a Crows fan but I think the whole family has instantly thrown all their key chains into the bin already,” Barnett said. With West Coast’s pre-season already underway for the club’s first to fourth-year players, Barnett said it won’t be long until he makes the move west. “I’ll be pretty much on the first flight possible on Thursday,” he said.