Xavier College Year 11 student, Tim Golds was yesterday signed by new AFL franchise Greater Western Sydney. Golds, 17, has been likened to the Western Bulldogs' Robert Murphy in speed and versatility.

The 192cm AIS-AFL utility, who holds school records in the 400m and high jump, has featured twice on The Footy Show's "Almost Football Legends" segment, for a blinding goal from a ruck contest on the boundary line and for a spectacular aerial grab.

Golds, who is the first of 12 17-year-olds GWS may sign as part of its exclusive draft provisions, said he was excited about the move north to the expansion club.

"It was a no-brainer for me because now I can just concentrate next year on school (in Melbourne) and train hard and prepare myself for 2012," Golds said.

"It really takes the pressure off."

The Oakleigh Chargers playmaker, who was awarded the AIS-AFL's Ben Mitchell Medal for outstanding personal qualities, said he sought inspiration from mentor Michael O'Loughlin.

"Michael told me about when he arrived in Sydney from Adelaide, he would catch the bus and train to football training by himself," Golds said.

"He missed family, but family is what inspired him to do well in his football. There will be aspects that may be difficult, but playing AFL is what I've dreamed about since I was in the under-10s and I'm not going to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Team GWS senior coach Kevin Sheedy was thrilled to have secured Golds' signature.

“I had the pleasure of travelling to South Africa with Tim and his family earlier this year with the AIS-AFL Academy. He certainly is an impressive young man and a very talented footballer," he said.

“When you begin to see the quality of the young players we are able to bring into this club, like Tim Golds, we can start to build a strong foundation as these young men develop together, it's pretty powerful."