Griffin Logue and Harley Balic face a big test against the Western Bulldogs in their AFL debuts.
But it’s clear that the pair wouldn’t have it any other way.
At training, Logue has relished going up against some of Fremantle’s best players, and the 18-year-old defender says the same feeling will apply when he runs out onto Domain Stadium on Saturday night.
“I think (facing the Bulldogs) is the most eye opening thing,” Logue said.
“Playing against people like (Marcus) Bontempelli and (Jake) Stringer is really eye opening, just as it has been training on guys at Freo.
“It’s still pretty surreal for me, but I’m happy to take the bull by the horns and we’ll see how we go.”
Balic comes into the game in good form for Peel, leading the league for disposals with 92 from three rounds.
But the 20-year-old inside midfielder still isn’t underestimating the test of an AFL game.
“I can’t take too much confidence (from Peel) as it’s quite a step up,” Balic said.
“But I think it helps having played a couple of good games so far, and I’ll try and take in as much as I can into the midfield at Fremantle.
“Going against the Bulldogs will be a big test. I haven’t played against anyone yet, so it’s hard to know what to expect.
“When you’re a junior all you want to do is to play an AFL game, so to play this weekend I’m really pumped.
“I’ve only watched (AFL) games, so I’m just really excited to finally be able to go out there.”
Hailing from Melbourne, Balic is hopeful that he will still have plenty of support in the stands.
“I think a few boys might come over,” Balic said.
“As well as mum and dad and my brothers, so I’m really excited that they’ll be here.”
With bouncedown at 5:40pm, Logue and Balic face a long wait before they can get stuck into their first AFL game.
Both have a simple day in store, with Balic looking to relax while Logue expects to stick to his usual game day plans.
“I think the best thing for me is to keep my emotions down and nerves down and just stick to my same old routine,” Logue said.
“I’ll get up, go to the beach, eat scrambled eggs and baked beans on toast and stick with that.
“I’ll just go through the day as it unfolds.”
