Halfway through 2023, Tew Jiath - a member of Coates Talent League side Gippsland Power - was still waiting for his opportunity to debut.

But that didn’t mean the Morwell product lost any determination to make his AFL dreams a reality.

Having the handy resource of older brother and Hawthorn defender Changkuoth by his side was crucial, as Tew came into the second half of the year with a plan.

“I’ve had the mindset all year, but just getting the opportunity with the Gippsland Power was the main goal for me. Finding my spot on the team was challenging but once I got the opportunity, I just put my head down and tried to get the best out of myself,” Jiath said.

“He (Changkuoth) has been huge and having him as a resource to be able to develop my game was awesome. Throughout the year, watching vision and going through my games with him, I’ve been able to take a lot of notes from his game has been important in my growth and development.

“Once I saw him make a career for himself, I think I’ve always had that drive to follow in his footsteps and end up where he ended up so I think once he made the league it became a big motivation for me.”

Once Jiath did make his debut for the Power in June this year, he never looked back, retaining his place throughout and putting himself in front of recruiters.

With athleticism and pace, he became one of his side’s most damaging defenders, with the Pies swooping on him at Pick 37 in last week’s draft.

“On the first night I was sort of in the end bracket of the first round but missed out that night. Leading into the second night I knew there was a little bit of interest from other clubs but I didn’t think it was on the radar really so for my name to be read out by Collingwood it was a big shock to me,” he said.

“The main thing was just to control what you can control; it sounds pretty cliché but I think that’s all you can do really and just keeping myself busy.

“Last Monday I just tried to get to bed as early as possible and Tuesday it was just about filling in the time gaps and playing a bit of Call of Duty and getting out a little bit so once that rolled around it was just about waiting for the opportunity.

“There was a bunch of different emotions in the room but the main was excitement and just happiness and joy coming out of the night so extremely excited.”

Family has been crucial for the 18-year-old as displayed through both his connection with his older brother and the large contingent at his home last Tuesday night, with the Collingwood family now gaining another member too.