Former Ram Macreadie makes his AFL debut
Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media.
Henty footballer, Harrison Macreadie made his AFL debut last night against Richmond at the MCG.
Macreadie was a part of the GWS Giants Academy for four years and was relocated to Sydney in 2016 to gain experience at a NEAFL level.
Prior to the 2016 NAB AFL Draft, Macreadie was nominated as an ‘Academy member’. This meant that the GIANTS could match any potential bids made by other Clubs should they desire. Ultimately, Macreadie was bid for at pick number 47 by Carlton, which the GIANTS did not match, sending Macreadie to Melbourne for his debut season.
After a final hour decision, Macreadie was a late inclusion last night, replacing Jed Lamb before final teams were required.
Although it was a disappointing 43-point loss for the Blues, the defender described his debut as unforgettable.
“It was awesome! It was a great experience, one that I will remember for a long time,” said Macreadie.
The 18-year old said his nerves stopped as soon as he entered the MCG, which swelled with 73,000 fans.
“I was pretty calm throughout the day, but when I was driving to the MCG my nerves started to build in a bit more, and throughout the warm up, they kept increasing.
“But when I got on to the ground, all the nerves sort of just dropped.”
Senior players, Kade Simpson and Sam Docherty offered some advice to the debutante, telling Macreadie to play his natural game, and to ‘just go for it’, as it could possibly be the only shot he gets at a professional level.
Macreadie admitted that the Club were disappointed by the loss but hoped that they would learn from their errors, and move on for next week.
Macreadie joined the back line early and had six disposals, and took one mark.
