Second Himmelberg son picked for AFL code

The 18-year-old, ranked as number 51 in the national draft, is the second Himmelberg to play for the code with elder brother Harrison, 20, a defender in the Greater Western Sydney Giants.

The former Sheldon College student, who graduated in November this year, packed his bags last Sunday to join the 44-strong Adelaide Crows team the following day.

"The whole group has been really good and really welcoming," he said.

"At the moment, I want to improve as much as I can and one day get a game."

While his first four days in the South Australian city were spent undergoing medical checks, the Thornlands teen has now been cleared to begin a rigorous five-day-a-week work-out schedule, he said.

Elliott wakes up at 6am most mornings to get himself into peak physical condition across three full days and one half day of training.

A sleep-in on Saturdays is also ruled out, with an early morning jog now a job requirement.

But the strenuous preparation for a sport he loves is nothing new.

Placed to play in key forward and defender positions, Elliott shadows other players at 196cm tall.

His height and 84 kilogram weight meant work to improve his speed and agility on the field was a top priority while at school.

Mum Maryanne Himmelberg said that joining the Sheldon College triathlon squad and the Brisbane Lions Academy for reserves team training, meant social dalliances were sacrificed for a bigger goal.

"He realised he had to do a lot more running as a key position player," she said. "But he saw how exciting it was."

Elliott is the first Sheldon College student to be picked for the AFL national draft.

Health and physical education teacher Amanda Powell said she had high expectations for her star pupil.

"We wish him all the very best and I think he will have a positive career in the AFL," she said. "He is really well respected by staff and peers."