Debutant Sam Switkowski’s first win on Sunday at Optus Stadium wasn’t only special because of the 40,028 vocal fans he played in front of but because of the passionate Switkowski travelling party that was there to witness it. 

Loyal friends and family swamped the mature-age recruit post-game, all proudly wearing Switkowski player badges.

“There are heaps of them, I needed 19 tickets for today’s game, so it’s awesome seeing them here,” Switkowski said.

One of Switkowski’s 13 friends who made the journey from Melbourne proudly boasted that all the number 39 player badges had sold out in the merchandise store at Optus Stadium thanks to them.

The 21-year-old was still processing everything following his first win.

“The experience was just so good and awesome,” the debutant said.

“To get a win in front of a big crowd, there was around 40,000 of the purple army.

“I just loved it and I am enjoying it now.”

The pressure forward also hopes the fans got a glimpse of the future and were excited by what they saw.

“A win is always good, it’s not the be-all and end-all for us,” Switkowski said.

“We’re more focussed on our actions and our KPI’s.

“It’s good for our fans and, hopefully, they saw what the youth can bring to the club.”

Switkowski believed his game was far from perfect but had some moments.

“(The game is) certainly a lot quicker,” he said.

“I tried to adjust to the pace and tempo early and I thought I did that pretty well.

“I’m just better off for the experience and, hopefully, hold my spot now and try and improve on that performance.”

Switkowski finished with 13 disposals, two goal assists and three tackles playing as a pressure forward.