Twelve months ago Essendon's third selection in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft Josh Begley had just finished playing for Upper Ferntree Gully in the Eastern Football League.
The teenager was carrying too much weight to be considered for the Eastern Ranges but he was dominating at local level.
Then those in the eastern region began to talk about how Begley's sharpshooting was too good to be confined to local football.
They spoke to the right people at the Eastern Ranges, who told Begley exactly what he needed to do to give himself a chance of making it at a higher level.
He needed to go on a diet, hit the gym and start to shred some kilograms. Begley didn't need to be told twice.
He kicked six goals on debut with Eastern Ranges, on his way to 27 goals for the season and all of a sudden he was in draft calculations.
Begley also came with strong recommendations from former Essendon premiership player Darren Bewick, Eastern Ranges coach.
"Darren Bewick virtually convinced me he would be a good pick for us," Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro joked.
"He emphasised how much upside this kid has got."