Narrandera's Matt Flynn makes big impact in AFL debut for Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants

Flynn became the first footballer in AFL history to have more than two contested marks and 30 plus hit-outs in Greater Western Sydney's (GWS) loss to St Kilda on Sunday evening.

The Giants went down in a thriller to the Saints by eight points at Giants Stadium.

While disappointed not to get a win in his first AFL appearance, Flynn received rave reviews after enjoying 18 disposals and collecting 34 hit-outs against the Saints.

Giants coach Leon Cameron was rapt with the 23-year-old.

"I thought Flynny had a fantastic debut," Cameron said after the game.

"I thought him and (Paul) Hunter had a great duel.

"He picked up 18 possessions, he hasn't had that sort of ball at VFL level. To come in and play a role like that in his first game, considering he hurt his ankle was awesome."

Flynn looked in trouble during the third quarter when he went down with an ankle injury but battled on gallantly.

The Giants face Fremantle in Perth this Sunday and Cameron expects Flynn to recover in time to play.

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"It didn't look good when he came off but to his credit, they strapped him up and away he went again. He's like that," Cameron said.

"Hopefully he'll be right for next week. He's got to be able to recover in seven days time, he's got a huge task over there in Perth. If he's not right, then he's not right but the way he finished the match, I'm confident that he will be ok."

Flynn said he felt 'right at home' on the big stage.

"Not the result in the end, a couple of goals, but still a great day, been waiting for it for a long time so it was absolutely surreal out there but it would have been good to get the win," Flynn told the Giants website after the game.

"It's been a really long apprenticeship so I guess I'm a bit older than most debutants. It's been a long journey here but I've put in the work with Mummy and Amon Buchanan and the rucks that have been here before me so I definitely felt at home out there."

Flynn was presented his jumper in front of family before the game by Shane Mumford in what was a special moment for the Narrandera big man.

"Absolutely surreal. He's done a lot of work for me. He's been a big player in my corner, he's backed me through everything and it was absolutely amazing to have all my family here," Flynn said.

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