A relative of Olympic gold medal-winner and former senator Nova Peris, Parfitt was Geelong's first pick in the draft, 26 overall.

Utility Bartel played more than 300 games for Geelong and kicked more than 200 goals.

But Parfitt said he tried not to think about the fact that he was the Cats' first choice.

"I'll just put my head down, arse up and work hard in the pre-season, I think the rewards will come if I work hard," he said.

A midfielder and forward, Parfitt said his main focus would be to increase his endurance.

"You've got to be able to really run, so it's just building that tank," he said.

Geelong picked three of their six draftees from the VFL system this year, so many of the players will be able to live at home as they start their AFL careers.

Not so Parfitt, who was born and raised in the Northern Territory, then more recently moved with his family to South Australia, where he played for North Adelaide in the SANFL.

His mother Jody had been essential in his development as a footballer, as had his father David, a well-known footballer in Darwin.

"He's got a pretty good footy brain and always lets me know what I can improve on," Parfitt said.

Peris is Jody's first cousin and while she did not often speak about her own athletic successes, Parfitt said, she was a good aunt to him.

On draft night, she used social media to share photos of the young man as a child.

"When I was young I didn't really know what she achieved, she doesn't really brag about what she's achieved, but she's always there when I need support," he said.

Parfitt said having a sporting family, one with a deep knowledge of football, had been useful.

"If I play a good game or if I play a bad game, they definitely let me know, they just help me with feedback and improvements," he said.

Parfitt endured an interrupted draft year, suffering groin injuries, but he said he had been able to participate in almost all of the training activities during his first week at the club and was feeling 100 per cent fit.

After graduating from school last year, Parfitt worked in a few different jobs in 2016, including labouring and delivery driving, while concentrating on his football.

Hearing Geelong officials call his name had come as a shock, he said.

"[Recruiting boss] Stephen Wells had spoken to me a few times, but he didn't really give me much and I didn't really know he was that keen," he said.

"It was a bit of a surprise, but I'm very happy to be here."

Parfitt spent draft night at an uncle's house, with his family and friends gathered around.

"They were just over the moon, very happy, screaming and giving me a lot of hugs and kisses," he said.