Jimmy Toumpas’ dreams came true when the Greek Cypriot and AFL rising star heard his name called out with selection number four at the national draft held on the Gold Coast last Thursday night.
He was officially drafted to the Melbourne Demons. “I’m over the moon, I’m so happy to be given the opportunity by the Melbourne Demons,” Jimmy Toumpas told Neos Kosmos.
The eighteen-year-old played in the 2011 SANFL grand final with the Eagles. His talent and maturity shone through and the tough midfielder became a much wanted draft prospect in the AFL. At Thursday nights draft, Toumpas was rated as high as the second best player available by some recruiters.
Jimmy says, “I can’t wait to get out on the track with the boys and get stuck into the pre-season, my aim is to work hard and I will do anything I can to benefit the team”.
Jimmy will head back to South Australia in order to pack up his belongings, say his goodbyes and move to Melbourne.
“It was humbling to know I was taken by Melbourne, I’m so grateful for the opportunity and I can’t wait to repay them back”.
Having his family support him throughout his football career has given Jimmy the opportunities to grow as a player and a person: “I am very thankful for their support, my upbringing and their encouragement, it is what has got me this far and I thank my parents and family for that.”
The young Greek Cypriot is now the second player of Greek background to play in AFL along with Bombers player David Zaharakis.