GREATER Western Sydney's top draft pick Tim Taranto will make his debut against Adelaide in round one.
Taranto, who was taken by the Giants with pick No.2 at last year's NAB AFL Draft, was impressive in the JLT Community Series and played all three games for the club against West Coast, Sydney and North Melbourne.
The tough 19-year-old averaged 17 possessions and over five tackles per game across the pre-season competition, playing mainly as a permanent forward, but also showed plenty while spending time in the midfield, where his quick hands and poise in traffic stood out.
He also earned plenty of respect for his courage after kicking a brilliant goal against the Swans, just minutes after he was ironed out in a brutal accidental clash with superstar Sydney forward Lance Franklin.
Coach Leon Cameron told Taranto he would be making his debut in front of his teammates on Tuesday.
Taranto then called both his parents and his American father, who lives in Texas, told him he’d be flying to Adelaide for the game.
The Giants take on the Crows at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, with Taranto set to be the club's only round one debutant.
.@tim_taranto14 called his dad with some massive news but he wasn't to know the biggest surprise was yet to come.#NeverSurrender pic.twitter.com/t0q2XZA1YW
— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) March 21, 2017