Fox Footy presenter Gerard Whateley was more than impressed with Ryan Nyhuis’ debut performance for Fremantle against North Melbourne on Sunday.
Whateley named Nyhuis as his ‘Monday Champion’ on Monday night’s episode of AFL 360, highlighting the rarity of a standout debut performance in the modern game.
Nyhuis’ four-goal effort was impressive in itself but Whateley said he was impressed with how the youngster adapted to playing in a completely unfamiliar position.
Usually a defender, Nyhuis has made 25 appearances for Peel in the WAFL without kicking a goal.
Additionally, Nyhuis was called into the team early on Sunday morning after midfielder David Mundy withdrawn due to illness.
“It’s not often players make a big impression on debut anymore,” Whateley said.
“You’ll see a feeting glimpse here, or a promise of something there - but as a late inclusion Nyhuis kicked a goal with his first kick and he kicked the goal which ended up being the match-winner.
“His folks got the late call to fly down from Darwin just in the nick of time to arrive and there was a pure innocence to him – when he spoke to ‘Moons’ (Fox Footy commentator Cameron Mooney) in the post match (interview) he said he’d never played forward in his life.
“It was just a great story from beginning to end.
“This was a kid on no notice in a position he’s unfamiliar with and he essentially delivered Fremantle a win.”
