Himmelberg gets his big chance for the Giants against the Brisbane Lions, following in the footsteps of fellow 2015 draftees, flatmate Matt Kennedy and Leeton’s Jacob Hopper.

“I’m pretty excited, a little bit nervous now but I’m sure I’ll get over that,” Himmelberg said.

The Gabba fixture is a suitable assignment for his parents who relocated to Brisbane last year. 

“Mum was pretty emotional, she’s enjoying it and Dad’s pretty proud as well,” Himmelberg said. 

His phone has been running hot since the news of his debut. 

“I’ve had a few people message me which is pretty humbling. It only happens once so I suppose you soak it up and make the most of it.”

The 20-year old has been turned into a defender at the Giants and played every reserve grade game in the NEAFL this season.

He said coach Leon Cameron had a simple message.

“Leon’s pretty good – he just told me to absorb the moment, enjoy it and play my role for the team, which is to win the one-on-one battle with whoever I’m playing on,” Himmelberg said.

It's the same job he’s been handed in the NEAFL every week and, although the intensity will be greater, the former Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes forward is just focussed on not letting anyone down. 

The former Mater Dei student said being drafted (at pick 16) fulfilled a dream and he immediately set about making the most of it.

“Probably just my consistency I suppose,” he said.

“Being able to work on all those things in pre-season – going down back – and just work on being consistent and be reliable in the backline which is a pretty big thing.

”Coming in as a first year, you have to earn respect and you have to earn your spot and prove what you’ve got to offer, so hard work’s a key part of that.”

There’ll be no complacency against the Lions who are 10 spots below them on the ladder and chasing just their second win of the year. 

The Giants are coming off a shock loss to Collingwood but are still comfortably in the eight and bound for finals. 

Himmelberg said the focus is on righting what went wrong last week and he’s not thinking beyond Sunday’s assignment.

“What happens after, happens I suppose,” he said.

“I’ll just sort of play in the moment.”

For a reminder that any game can be in the balance, he can chat to Kennedy, whose debut was against last-placed Essendon. The Bombers gave the Giants an almighty fright and Kennedy had a big say in avoiding an upset, with three goals, including two in a row to put GWS in front.

“He said it was a funny spot to be in… he was a pretty key role in us getting over the top in that game,” Himmelberg said.

“He said the intensity definitely lifted when the game was in the balance, which is obviously a good thing to get when you’re in the early stages of your career.”

As well as his parents, Himmelberg expects more family and friends to be in the crowd, including some making the trip from Wagga. 

But he jokes that he’s not sure he can match the effort of Kennedy who seemed to have the support of most of Collingullie and the surrounding districts at the MCG.

“It’s a tough act to follow that one. I don’t know if I’ll get quite the whole bay (of supporters) that Matt had,” Himmelberg joked.