Bulldogs teenager Joel Freijah says the playing against some of his childhood heroes was a highlight of his debut season in the red, white and blue.

Freijah made his debut in Round 9 against Richmond, stringing together 13 games – including the Elimination Final - in his first year. 

He said there were a number of on-field moments he’ll look back on fondly. 

“It was pretty special (playing on) Dusty at first bounce. I was just taking that in,” Freijah said.

“Playing against Patty Cripps too – I grew up as a Carlton supporter, so to play against him and a few of the Carlton boys I idolised growing up was really good.

“I really enjoyed my first year as both an AFL and VFL player – I enjoyed my time in both (programs).

“The final was something special, and something I’m really proud to have played in. It was an awesome experience – obviously it wasn’t the result that we wanted as a Club, but it’s something I think we can all take as motivation into next year.

“It will stay with me for a while as a first-year player.”

The 18-year-old was initially drafted as a winger, before moving into the back-line for his stint at senior level. 

He said he was open to a mix of both roles moving forward.

“That move came about through some things I needed to tweak in my game, and some parts of my game that I can turn into strengths,” Freijah said.

“In terms of the future, it’s going to be both having an open mind through the wing and back-line, experimenting with both, developing both and continuing to learn in both parts of the ground.

“I think this group’s really special and can do a lot of special things next year, so we’ll come back very optimistic and be ready to go.”