Rookie draftee Lachie McNeil did his chances of a round one debut no harm with an impressive performance against Hawthorn on Wednesday afternoon.

The 19-year-old joined the Western Bulldogs with pick 11 in last year’s rookie draft and was one of three new faces in the senior scratch match, alongside off-season recruit Stefan Martin and recently-signed VFL product Anthony Scott.

McNeil, a SANFL premiership player with Woodville-West Torrens last season, has fitted in seamlessly over the pre-season and pipped a number of more experienced players for selection in the scratch match.

While he admits there were some first-game nerves, his maiden outing in red, white and blue was undoubtedly a positive one.

“I was probably a bit nervy at the start, a bit to adjust to but I really enjoyed it, it was pretty special,” McNeil said.

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He spent time on the wing and pushing forward, working in partnership with the likes of Lachie Hunter and Lin Jong.

“Whenever ‘Jongy’ and ‘Hunts’ were on together I went forward, so I floated around a little bit and kicked a goal which was nice,” McNeil said.

“They’ve been huge, coming in learning new structures and everything.

“They’ve been great for me, a lot of encouragement and structural advice which has been great.”

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