On the footy field he's known as Buuks, but ten years ago Buku Khamis had never even heard of the AFL.
Now the 17-year-old is shaping up to be a legitimate 2018 draft pick.
A refugee from South Sudan, Khamis moved to Australia in 2006, with his parents and brothers.
He took up the sport his last year of primary school after going to watch a game at the MCG, to learn more about the Australian way of life.
"I think it's a culture that is big in Australia, and a culture I wanted to be a part of and that I enjoy as well."
He began with a club in St Albans, north-west of Melbourne, but quickly caught the attention of scouts from TAC Cup side, the Western Jets.
His skill also earned him selection to the AFL Next Generation Academy, an initiative to fast-track the development of footballers from multicultural and Indigenous communities who may not have as much opportunity to be involved in football programs.
Khamis is now a future draft option for the Western Bulldogs.
But he says the sport is giving him much more than just football.
"We went to the Northern Territory last year for an intensive training camp and it's definitely helped me become more confident as a person and create new friends as well."
He may have needed a confidence boost off the field, but with a ball in hand he needs none.
Western Jets Coach Torin Baker says at every match, Khamis creates something special.
"It is really unique and is certainly something that catches the eye, it's rare qualities you don't see in players all the time."
Baker says the AFL's Next Generation initiatives are changing the future cultural mix of the code, and also uncovering new sources of talent.
"It gives the game something different and shows the game is embracing all people from all different backgrounds. It's really exciting to be a part of."
It's an opportunity Khamis doesn't intend to waste.
"I have a lot of support around me and I reckon I have self-drive and motivation to work hard and be disciplined, and sacrifice a lot of things because I know it'll be worth it in the end."
And with the 2018 draft drawing closer, the end is now in sight.
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