It’s fair to say players don’t always sleep too well the night they are drafted.

Whether they’re replying to an influx of messages, celebrating with loved ones or trying to overcome an adrenaline rush, it ends up being quite a late night.

For the Dogs’ newest recruit and mid-season draftee Caleb May, there was actually another reason he struggled to get to sleep.

“I couldn’t sleep last night because I was just so keen to tap the ball down to Bont – wherever he wants it I will work with him,” the 21-year-old said on Day 1 at the Kennel.

“I’m just so excited to meet him.

“It’s been a massive whirlwind of emotions but I’m just so grateful and honoured to be at this great club.”

A Sydney Swans Academy junior, May made the move to South Australia in 2025 for more opportunity and the hopes of eventually landing on an AFL list.

And on Tuesday night that became a reality.

“It was a massive decision to leave home, my family and all my best mates back in Sydney. It was quite tough,” May said.

“I just thought if I wanted to excel in football and get an opportunity (to play SANFL) I should take it with both hands.

“It’s a great competition – I’m so fortunate for West Adelaide giving me the opportunity to play at that level.

“I’m very grateful to be here now though.”

While the age gap meant that fellow Swans Academy graduate Lachy Carmichael and May didn’t overlap, there was a Bulldog he was looking forward to reuniting with.

“I was lucky enough to play Allies with Sando (Ryley Sanders) – he’s an unbelievable lad,” May said.

“There were so many phone numbers I didn’t recognise - but I think it was Sando (who messaged me first).”