IT’S NOT OFTEN players end up representing the club they supported as a kid, but if it came to fruition, Calder’s Dion Prestia would love to play for the Demons.

Prestia, a passionate Melbourne supporter, is one of the highly-touted youngsters at this year’s NAB AFL Draft Combine.

He is regarded as a powerful inside midfielder/forward with excellent disposal and contested ball-winning ability. This year, he averaged 28 disposals in the TAC Cup.

Prestia also represented Vic Metro and was captain of PEGS. He was also a premiership player with Calder Cannons in 2009/10.

He is certain to become an AFL-listed player in 2010, but it’s a matter of which club. There is no doubt his family would be delighted if he wore the red and blue.

“I’ve gone for Melbourne my whole life. My cousins go for Melbourne as well - so everyone’s a Melbourne supporter in my family,” Prestia told melbournefc.com.au.

“I’ve been living in Craigieburn my whole life … but I’m not sure how my family came to follow Melbourne. My Mum followed Collingwood when she was younger, but my Dad got her on the Melbourne train.

“Dad was born in Australia, but his parents are from Italy and his two brothers were born in Italy. He started following Melbourne and he’s been in different membership groups.

“I used to go to Melbourne games nearly every week, but when I started playing in the TAC Cup, I didn’t have time to watch Melbourne games. He went to about five games this year, so that was good.”

But Prestia is realistic about his prospects in the draft, understanding fully he could land anywhere.

“I’d be happy if I go anywhere, but if I went to Melbourne, it’d be pretty good,” he said.

“I’d love to play with Brent Moloney and Nathan Jones - guys that I’ve supported and watched.

“If I went to Melbourne, my whole family goes for them, so they’d be very happy.”

Prestia has been interviewed by more than 10 AFL clubs, with recruiters highlighting his speed and endurance as his key attributes.

“I think my speed is pretty good. I’ve also got endurance and some of the clubs have said that’s what they like about me,” he said.

“I definitely love playing onball - I always love to have a run around - and I love kicking a goal.”