It took until pick 81, the second last live pick of the night, for the 19-year-old running defender from Lauderdale to have his AFL dream realised.

"But to be honest, it doesn't matter whether you are pick 1 or 81, you are still getting a chance on an AFL list and I can't believe it," McGuinness said last night.

The 189-centimetre, 72-kilogram McGuinness, who plays in the Andrew Mackie style off half-back, was Tasmania's only All-Australian at the national under-18 championships after averaging 26 touches and five marks a game.

He was last night welcomed to Brisbane via a phone call from All-Australian midfielder Tom Rockliff.

"I think I am ready for the AFL, as I was an over-age player, so I have an extra year of development than some of the other guys who were drafted this year," McGuinness said.

"My body size isn't up to the level yet, I'm still pretty skinny so I reckon they will try to chuck some weight on me, but I think my maturity levels are up there and I'm very committed."

McGuinness joined his good mate in Glenorchy defender Josh Watts at the Lions, who was selected at pick 65, where McGuinness was tipped to go.

"It is awesome that I have been drafted with a good mate as well," McGuinness said.

The duo will make the move north next week, joining Mitch Robinson, Ryan Harwood and Josh Green as Tasmanian Lions.

Former Burnie Docker Lachie Weller was the first of the three Tasmanians drafted last night, going to Fremantle with pick 13.

"Lachlan's really athletic with good speed and good endurance and he can go overhead," Fremantle's general manager of player management Brad Lloyd said.

"He's got a classy finish and a good sidestep, and on top of that he's a really quality person, so we're excited to bolster our midfield with someone of Lachie's character, both on and off the field."

The 18-year-old joins Brady Grey and Alex Pearce as Tasmanians at the Dockers.