Rookie draftee Lachie McNeil will get his first taste of AFL football on Friday night.
The 19-year-old will make his debut for the Western Bulldogs in a blockbuster round one clash at the MCG.
McNeil has played in both of the Bulldogs’ pre-season matches, the scratch match against Hawthorn and AAMI Community Series win over Melbourne.
He had eight disposals and kicked a goal against the Dees.
McNeil joined the Bulldogs with pick 11 in the 2020 NAB AFL Rookie Draft and was excited about the opportunity to learn from the likes of Adam Treloar, Marcus Bontempelli and Josh Dunkley.
This week, the speedy midfielder-forward will be playing alongside them after Bailey Smith announced he would debut in a team meeting.
“It’s probably the best midfield in the competition right now, so it’s pretty exciting,” McNeil said, after he was drafted.
“There’s so many people you could shape your game on, but I’m probably most excited to get to watch a bit of Adam Treloar.
“That’s the type of midfielder I’d love to be, that midfielder who runs all day and uses his speed.
“But there’ll be bits and pieces I take from each player, like Dunks’ inside mid stuff and Bont’s exquisite foot skills.”
The South Australian product missed out on being drafted in 2019, but played every game in the SANFL for Woodville-West Torrens last season, including their grand final win.
