Harvey Harrison was approached by several clubs in the lead up to the NAB AFL Draft but he never expected to join the Pies.

"I was at home with mum, my manager, my girlfriend, my sister and my step dad on draft night and I was pretty shocked when my name was called out," he said.

"I spoke with a couple of other clubs I thought were more interested, so it was surprising that it was Collingwood and in a way it made it even sweeter, because I had no clue they were going to pick me.

"To move interstate and join the biggest club in the league... I can't explain the excitement, I'm extremely happy to be here and can't thank the club enough."

The young midfielder impressed scouts with his outstanding athleticism and clean skills and he dominated at the draft combine.

He has been compared to Patrick Dangerfield and said he models his game on the Brownlow Medal winner.

"Dangerfield is a player I've always admired," Harvs said.

"I grew up supporting the Crows and when he was at Adelaide I loved the way he played - he was really aggressive and he exploded out of the contest.

"I aspire to play like him.

"If I can be half the player he is one day I'll be really happy."

Harvs has moved in with Taylor Adams and fellow SA recruit Cooper Murley.

"I'm settling in pretty good, Taylor has been really welcoming," he said.

"He made us dinner last night and I'm not much of a cook, so it was good to have him cook for us - he's a ripping bloke.

"I'm really comfortable with Cooper too which is great and everyone at the club has been really welcoming too.

"I couldn't really ask for a better experience so far."