Culcairn’s Jeremy Finlayson has been given a huge vote of confidence by GWS Giants, called up to make his debut for the ladder leaders against Geelong in a crucial top-three clash on Saturday.
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Finlayson, 21, was called in after Narrandera’s Zac Williams was ruled out with a hamstring strain.
“One goes down and another one comes up, it's a fantastic story with Jeremy playing his first game," GWS coach Leon Cameron said.
"It's a huge challenge for him because he steps into an A-grade game first up against the Cats, but he's been in some good form.
"He's been knocking on the door so he deserves his spot. It's one of those things where you just want to see how he fares, because the confidence he shows at the lower level is fantastic, and we feel like he can transfer that to AFL level.”
Drafted in 2014, Finlayson has been averaging more than 27 touches a game in reserve grade this year.
The backman won the club’s development award last year in the North East Australian Football League (NEAFL) and was a key member of their premiership winning side.
Cameron said he would’ve got his chance sooner if it wasn’t for a groin injury earlier this year.
"We took him as a raw young kid at the back end of the draft three years ago and he's taken a few steps forward and a couple back, so we're really rapt that he's done a long apprenticeship and finally gets his opportunity,” Cameron said.
