Making his club debut under the Friday night lights of Etihad Stadium was a special moment for Western Bulldogs recruit Josh Schache.

After crossing to the Bulldogs from Brisbane in the Trade Period, 20-year-old Schache worked his way through an interrupted pre-season with a calf injury and bided his time in the VFL for Footscray.  Three consecutive three goal hauls would eventually lead to a senior call up against Collingwood in Round 10.

“Making my debut for the club was something that was sort of a long time coming during the start of the year. I had to get over a few injuries and get some form up in the VFL,” he told westernbulldogs.com.au.

“To get picked to play with the boys on a Friday night was an honour. I love playing with them and playing on a Friday night, on the big stage as well, was something I haven’t done before.

“Obviously all the boys getting around me after kicking that goal, it released the nerves a little bit. To kick one, to get one on the board and feel like you contributed a bit to the team, it was a good feeling.

Every player likes to look their best when the lights are the brightest, but the former Murray Bushranger had no chance once he kicked his first goal, with teammates coming from all angles to congratulate him.

“My hair was a bit messed up after that. I got a few rubs on the head,” he laughed.

“I was just really excited to get back out there.”

On the eve of his club debut, Schache was presented with his playing jumper by club legend, Chris Grant, which he said was a bit of a thrill.

“Chris is obviously really highly respected around the club and outside of the club as well,” he said.

“To get presented with my jumper from him was an honour as well. I couldn’t have thought of someone else better to get presented my jumper. It was awesome.”

With Schache now settled and enjoying his footy, building on his endurance and both the attacking and defensive sides of his game will be a focus.

“I’ve been working really closely with Ash Hansen, the AFL forwards coach, this year. He’s given me some really helpful tips that I can use to improve my game at the next level and what I can do to make myself a better player and a better player for the team as well.

“Steve Grace, as well, throughout the VFL has been really important for me. He’s really good during the weeks giving me insight into how I can improve my game.

“I want to keep working on my forward craft, get a bit stronger as well as put a bit more muscle on. I’ve been working closely with Ash and the other coaches around where I set up, my defensive actions as well – how I can really become a two way player.

“I’ll keep working on those sort of things out on the track, I feel more confident each week as I’m going along.”