ESSENDON youngster Josh Begley had "his heart in his mouth" as he watched his potential game-winning goal against Adelaide veer towards the right-hand behind post.
The Bombers led by three points with a little more than three minutes remaining on the clock when Begley slammed the footy onto his left boot.
Thankfully for the 19-year-old, playing in his fourth AFL game, the ball took a favourable bounce through the middle of the goals as the pro-Bomber crowd inside Etihad Stadium erupted.
"I had my heart in my mouth. I was riding it home and I was lucky the football Gods swung it to the left side instead of the right," Begley told AFL.com.au after the game.
"I didn't quite get it (the connection). It was a floater in the end but I'm glad it went through."
Begley took off running towards the forward pocket, slapping his jumper in a moment of pure ecstasy.
"I was pretty pumped up," Begley said.
"I'm proud to play for the Bombers and I feel pride when I'm donning the sash, so I guess that's what I was trying to show."
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Begley, pick No.31 in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft, played three games at the end of last season including the elimination final against Sydney, but he said the atmosphere of the 43,016 spectators was on a whole other level on Friday night.
The powerfully built forward did not have a huge night, 11 disposals and three inside 50s but Bombers coach John Worsfold said he was glad to see Begley stand up and seize his moment.
"For a young kid like that it's just keep working because the opportunities could come in a game like that, it could come in the first minute of the game," Worsfold said.
"So, work hard, play your role and know why you're in the team and that you've done the work. You deserve to be out there so be ready to grab those chances."
