The contested ball winner will ply his trade under the watch of fellow south-west product Ken Hinkley at Alberton Oval after he was selected at pick 33 in Friday night’s AFL National Draft.

Drew capitalised on a stellar season where he represented Vic Country and finished runner-up in TAC Cup club North Ballarat Rebels’ best and fairest award.

Port Adelaide national recruiting manager Geoff Parker praised Drew’s “engine” on the club’s website. 

"Willem is a North Ballarat boy, has a big engine as a medium mid,” he said.

“He can earn multiple possession(s) in the chain and had a strong year in a pretty good side at the Rebels."

Drew, at 188cm, was one of three medium-sized midfielders picked up by the Power and will continue a rich family tradition in the AFL. Rebels talent manager Phil Partington said Drew was “speechless” after the news.