The ultimate goal for any first year draftee is to play an AFL game in your debut season.
And for young small forward Ned Cahill, that dream became a reality when the 19-year-old made his debut in the Bombers’ round seven match against the Western Bulldogs.
Taken with pick No.56 in the 2019 NAB AFL Draft, Cahill became the 1168th player to don the sash, rewarded with his first senior game after consistent scratch match performances and strong training efforts.
He impressed immediately, showcasing terrific work-rate and high pressure to slot seamlessly into the Dons’ forward structure.
Cahill would go on to play a further two matches for the 2020 season, featuring a two-goal performance in the club’s win against Adelaide to cap off a promising first season in the red and black.
Reflecting on preparing for his debut match, Cahill said he valued the support of his teammates as a key factor in helping him overcome understandable first-game nerves.
“It’s always a nerve-racking thing (playing your first game),” Cahill told teammate David Zaharakis in Blazing the Trail – a short video series on Essendon’s debutants brought to you by House of Marley.
“All the support from the boys and Andy (McGrath), who I’m pretty close with, gave me the reassurance I’d be fine, which helped me in the lead-up.
“You’re always going to back yourself because you’ve done all the work beforehand with the scratch matches and you can play football, but it’s just the nerves part.”
One aspect of AFL football which can intimidate debutants is the pace and intensity of the game.
It was something which Cahill was taken aback by initially, but overcame to fit right in.
“The first few minutes are always nerve-racking, but I got a touch and up to the speed of the game,” Cahill said.
“Something I always take out if it is how much craft is used in the game of AFL. You can be in the same position as someone else, but a little nudge makes a big difference.”
One aspect Cahill would’ve loved to have experienced in his first game is the presence and support of his family, but coronavirus restrictions made it impossible for that happen.
Luckily though, Cahill was surprised with a virtual message from his loved ones and had his housemate Andrew McGrath present him with his guernsey to still make the occasion a special one.
“(My favourite moment) was just beforehand when the video was presented to the team of my family wishing me luck,” Cahill said.
“Clearly your debut is a big game and to not have my family up there was disappointing, but everyone’s had to deal with that.
“Andy presenting (my jumper) to me (was special) as well, because I’ve lived with him for the last three months and I’m pretty close to him, so it was pretty special.”
