An AFL debut might just be the ultimate birthday present for Taylin Duman, who will run out for Fremantle in Saturday night’s Len Hall Tribute Game at Optus Stadium.

The 20-year-old, who celebrated his birthday on Wednesday, found out on Thursday morning that he will become Fremantle’s fifth debutant in 2018. 

Puchase tickets to Saturday's Len Hall Tribute Game against the Western Bulldogs

“It’s unreal. I was at home today and (general manager of football operations) Chris Bond gave me the call to tell me I’d be playing my first senior match this week,” Duman said.

“It’s a surreal feeling.

“It’s a little present, a late present. Haven’t really got too many presents so far so it’s good to be told I’m making my debut this week.”

Duman’s parents will be among a large contingent of family and friends who will make the trip west to see the defender play his first AFL game.

“My parents were the first people I called. They were over the moon for me,” Duman said.

“They were stoked. They told me to make the most of the opportunity and to take it with both hands.” 

Since arriving at Fremantle in the 2016 NAB AFL Rookie Draft, Duman has impressed at WAFL level for Peel, playing 19 games including an important role in their 2017 premiership team.

Standing at 192cm, Duman made a name for himself with his ball use and decision making and will slot in a young Fremantle defence that includes housemate and fellow second-year player Luke Ryan.

 “I loved playing with Luke (at Peel), he’s a great player and a great roll-off intercept mark,” Duman said. 

“I can’t wait to get out there with him on the weekend.

 “He congratulated me. He hasn’t really given me too much advice yet but I might hit him up later in the week.” 

Duman feels he’s grown in many ways since joining Fremantle, including in a literal sense – adding about 10kg to his frame in the past 18 months.

“I’ve grown quite a lot, I’m feeling a lot more confident going out there each week and I’m really enjoying my footy now,” Duman said. 

“Playing down back, we have a good group at Peel and at Freo, so I’m really enjoying my time here.” 

While Saturday will be Duman’s first experience as a Fremantle player, he made the most out of being an emergency the past two weeks and travelling with the team that faced GWS in Canberra in round four.

“As an emergency, you see how the boys go about their pre-game,” Duman said. 

“It’s a bit different to Peel but it’s also a bit similar in other ways. It’s been a great experience travelling with an AFL squad to see how they go about it.

“I’ll probably still be a little bit nervous but having that experience pre-game will definitely help me.”