YOUNG Greater Western Sydney forward Kristian Jaksch worried at times whether he would get the opportunity to make his AFL debut in 2013.
But the 18-year-old's time has arrived and he will line up alongside Jeremy Cameron and his continuing Coleman Medal tilt when the Giants take on Richmond at Skoda Stadium on Sunday.
Making it even more special for Jaksch, the 12th pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft, his debut comes against the side he supported growing up.
His parents, sister, two uncles and his grandmother are all making the trip from Melbourne for the game.
"It's been a pretty long year, some ups and downs with injuries, so to finally get my first game I'm over the moon," Jaksch told AFL.com.au on Friday.
"Richmond are going to be hungry coming off a loss last week and heading into the finals.
"I was a Tigers man growing up and same with the whole family, so they might be a bit split on who to go for.
"Hopefully the Giants just get over the line."
A product of the Oakleigh Chargers, Jaksch starred for Vic Metro in the under 18 championships and can play both ends of the ground.
After overcoming a knee injury and subsequent surgery earlier this year, the 195cm teenager has spent most of the season in the forward line in the NEAFL.
He doesn't want to limit himself to one position, however, stating "long-term I see myself as a bit of a swinger, Jake Carlisle-like".
But it is a glut of goals that has led to his call-up to the senior side, including a six-goal haul against Sydney University earlier this month.
"Couple of fives and a few fours, but six was the biggest," he said. "Hopefully I can replicate that again this weekend."
While Jaksch's family will no doubt be following his progress closely, plenty will be keeping an eye on Cameron and his bid for the Coleman.
The 20-year-old is level with Hawthorn's Jarryd Roughead and West Coast spearhead Josh Kennedy on 60 goals with two games remaining.
"Hopefully I can get him a few extra goals to get that one up," Jaksch said.
"But I think everyone's seen that 'Jezza' is team before individual. He's not going to be selfish, he'll help me out, which he already has a lot this year.
"It's been great being able to train with him and watch the way he plays.
"He's obviously a superstar in the making, so I'm looking forward to finally having the chance to play with him."
Jaksch found it a little daunting moving to Sydney straight after he was drafted and being thrust into a new environment.
But he knew Dom Tyson, Adam Tomlinson and Toby Greene from his Oakleigh days and recently moved out of Breakfast Point and into a place with teammates Lachie Whitfield and Zac Williams.
Feeling settled and thrilled to make his debut, Jaksch says he has "found my feet and looking forward to the next few years".
Sheedy is also pleased with the youngster's progress.
"His form in the last month for the UWS GIANTS has been outstanding," Sheedy said.
"He'll play a key role in our forward line this weekend."
