One of the Greater Western Victoria Rebels' greatest draft classes has taken its first steps in new colours.
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Josh Gibcus, Ben Hobbs, and Sam Butler all were thrown into the thick of their clubs' first full week of pre-season training.
Hobbs, who joined Essendon with pick 13, said reality was starting to set in.
"The boys have made us feel really comfortable and they've all been really good blokes," he said.
"We fit in really well and us four (draftees) have got to know each other pretty well so it's been really good.
"Now, through the pre-season, it's about learning off the blokes in the midfield. There are some really quality players in there so it will be about me learning and seeing where that goes.
"Whether (I play in a) midfield spot or up forward or need to sit out for a bit - I'm open to all of that."
"I don't think I have (a point to prove). I'm just happy I ended up at a fantastic club and that's what I'm most proud of. I'm not too worried about what pick I went, it doesn't really matter once you get here.
"We're all on an even playing field now and you've just got to earn respect and try and play as soon as you can."
Sam Butler was the last of the Rebels to be drafted with pick 23 and said he was still settling in at Hawthorn.
"It's hard getting to learn everyone's names and all that, but once you do it's nice getting to know where they're all from and get to know them," he said.
Kai Lohmann, who was drafted by Brisbane with pick 20, will not link up with the Lions until the new year due to border restrictions.
It's not just the newbies who are returning to the track.
East Point junior Harry Sharp returned to full training with Brisbane for the first time after recovering from a serious ankle ligament injury.
Sharp joined the Lions with pick 43 in the 2020 draft and played two games in his debut season before later requiring surgery.
"It's good to see everyone is back in good knick and I think the coaches were pretty impressed," he said.
"Thanks to Lowey, who's helped me out in rehab the past four months, I'm back on track now and the ankle is feeling pretty strong. We'll see how we go throughout pre-season."
Sharp has since finished year 12 studies and has moved in with fellow GWV Rebels alum Jarrod and Tom Berry.
"It's been good (to be done). It's pretty refreshing and relaxing finishing school," he said.
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