Geelong Falcons stars Ben Cunnington and Gary Rohan will head in separate directions in coming days after being drafted by North Melbourne and Sydney respectively on Thursday night.

The 18-year-olds have spent plenty of time in each other's company in recent years representing firstly Timboon in the juniors and then advancing to Cobden and later the Geelong Falcons, with both also representing Vic Country in the national championships this year.

But they'll have to continue their friendship from afar after their dreams of being drafted were realised, with Cunnington picked up at No.5 by the Kangaroos and the Swans snapping up his mate Rohan with the following pick.

For Cunnington, who captained the Falcons in 2010 and is already being compared to former Roos skipper Adam Simpson, his main aim at least for the moment is to try and justify being chosen and also having dual premiership Kangaroo Anthony Stevens' No.10 guernsey.

"I think the hard work is just about to begin so hopefully I will work hard and earn some respect down at the club and hopefully put myself in good stead for a good career," Cunnington said.

"I reckon just getting down to the club and trying to earn respect from the start (is my biggest challenge) so that's probably my main goal."

"I look forward to just trying to earn respect with the coaches and the players and everyone amongst the club so hopefully I fit in quick and early," added the midfielder who was a Brisbane Lions fan and enjoyed watching his new coach, Brad Scott, when he played for the Queensland club.

Rohan meanwhile, who spent a season playing mixed netball several years ago because there was no junior footy team to represent, wasn't shocked to be picked up by the Swans even though he was a little overawed meeting their coach Paul Roos at the draft camp in September-October.

"(I'm) just relieved," Rohan said.

"Last year I never thought I'd be here from playing Cobden footy and luckily I had a good year with Falcons and Vic Country and everything."
"The hard work's paid off so far but (it's) just the beginning."

Having only visited Sydney briefly on the way through during a family trip to Queensland a few years ago, Rohan believes his biggest challenge will be moving to the Harbour City and away from his loved ones.

"Probably moving away from family and friends but you have to follow your dream so that's where it's taken us," Rohan added.