DARCY Wilson is a Saint.

The Wangaratta Rovers and Murray Bushrangers product was drafted to St Kilda with pick 18 of the first round of the AFL Draft on Monday night.

Incredibly, Wilson was one of four Bushrangers selected within the first round with Albury duo Connor O’Sullivan (pick 11, Geelong) and Phoenix Gothard (pick 12, GWS) also realising their dreams, while Oscar Ryan went to Adelaide with the 27th selection of the night.

Wilson was stoked to be joining the Saints.

“It’s really exciting to be going to St Kilda, they’ve got a great list and a good coaching staff led by Ross Lyon,” Wilson said.

“I met with them a few times, there were probably five or six clubs I thought I was a chance of going to but I had no clue it was St Kilda until the cameras started coming over to me 20 seconds before my name was called out.

“It’s just a relief that all of the hard work has been worth it and I can’t wait to get stuck into it.”

Wilson was swamped by family and friends when his name was called out.

“It was super having everyone there,” he said.

“It was such a good atmosphere especially with all of the Bushies boys who were picked up.

“I don’t think Bushies have ever had four players picked that early so it was an amazing experience and something I’ll never forget.”

Arguably the craziest part of the night came when Gothard was selected at pick 12.

With Gothard tipped to go late in the first round or possibly the second, it was a surprise selection that nobody saw coming so early in the proceedings.

Gothard was attending the first round of the draft to support close friend O’Sullivan but ended up on the stage with Phil Davis presenting him his GWS jumper.

“It was crazy when Phoenix’s name was called out, everyone froze,” Wilson said.

“I was so happy for him, it was just great to have three other Bushies boys picked up.

“We didn’t have the best season on the field but to have four players drafted in the first round is something that doesn’t happen often.”

Wilson will head to Moorabbin on Friday for a look around before officially starting training on Monday.

“I’ll head back home, pack my stuff and then head down on Friday for an induction at the club,” he said.

“We then start training on Monday which is really exciting.”