Speaking after his maiden training run with the Premiership club on Monday, Samson said he was awe-struck with his first taste in the black and yellow.

"It has been crazy the last couple of days, but it's a dream come true," he said.

"It's been a whirlwind today, I haven't met all the players yet but it's been an amazing experience."

Samson said his celebrations were pretty subdued after learning the draft would fall on his birthday.

"My parents asked what I wanted and I said to them 'I want a piece of paper to sign for an AFL contract', there was definitely a lot of focus on the draft and it was the best birthday present."

Read more: Wright retained with Hurricanes

Adding to the excitement is a near two-decade long love affair with the club. Samson admits he was pushed to back the Tigers at a young age by proud Dad, Luke, but it made his selection more meaningful to be chosen by the club he follows.

"It makes it so much more special - I'm walking past people in the hall and you recognise them straight away, watching them for the past 18 or 19 years."

Samson said he was humbled by the selection and took the chance to thank everyone who has supported him.

"It's an absolute compliment and not just to me, but the people around me who have supported my journey - they've all helped me so much to develop my skills," Samson said.

"It comes with the support you get from your grandparents, mentors and everyone - it's a bit of a pat on the back for everyone whose input helped get me here."

Read more: Bluedogs dominate with the bat

The family had moved to Toowoomba in Queensland four years ago after Samson and brother Jem had both secured scholarships for their cricketing ability.

However, it was a visit to the footy following cricket season that altered the young star's destiny.

"We hadn't been there too long and cricket had just finished up, so Dad and I went to the local footy, and we sat down and this guy asked if I wanted a game in the 16s," he said.

He responded "why not" played an said it almost instantly rekindled his love of the game and forged a desire to get better, to be stronger on the field.

Soon both Samson and Jem successfully trialled for places in a Brisbane Lions Academy where they were shown the steps needed to reach the top level.

"I can't be thankful enough to them," Samson said.

Samson said he is looking forward to a future with the club, but still calls Merimbula home.

"I'd like to thank the Panthers and the Merimbula Diggers for those junior days - and the Knights I've had a fair bit to do with - Andrew Purcell and the team have been influential in supporting my journey."