Ryan Clarke has described the moment he fulfilled every young footballer’s dream of being drafted as “the best feeling in the world”.

During his first visit to Arden Street Clarke couldn’t hide his excitement.

“The nerves were crazy, and I remember with pick 15, Ryan Burton got picked … so when they first said Ryan, everyone (at home) erupted, but it wasn’t me,” Clarke said laughing.

“Once I got picked it was the best (feeling) in the world. It still hasn’t sunk in yet, but I couldn’t be happier playing with North Melbourne.

“It was pretty surreal. It was a pretty big moment.”

Touring the club’s facilities on Thursday, Clarke was given locker number 13 and spent time with the other draftees.

“I’ve loved it. Even looking at the locker bay … you get your own number and it’s awesome,” he said.

“It’s a good feeling. It’s making everything sort of come back to reality, but I still haven’t really realised what I’ve done.”

The 18-year-old has been praised by his junior coaches for his outstanding work-rate as a midfielder.

“I base my football game around getting from stoppage to stoppage, so that’s certainly helped me get to where I am today – just my aerobic capacity going from A to B,” Clarke said.

“It’s nothing really on these guys (AFL players) yet, so I’ve still really got to improve on that so hopefully I can get a bit out of this pre-season.”

Clarke had little time to settle in to his new surrounds, flying to Utah on Friday to join in the club’s pre-season camp.

“It’ll be good to build some relationships and I’m really looking forward to it. It should be a bit of fun, but then also very tough.”