From Darwin to Adelaide and now Melbourne with the Hawks, Mattea Breed completed her footy fairytale on Saturday night when she ran out in the brown and gold for the first time against Essendon. 

The 22-year-old was the first Indigenous woman to make her AFLW debut with the Hawks, after Janet Baird and Kaitlyn Ashmore made their league debuts with Gold Coast and Brisbane, respectively.

She was also the third Tiwi player to represent Hawthorn after Baird and Cyril Rioli.

The night began with Hawthorn Legend Peter Knights presenting Breed with her guernsey in front of family and friends. 

She then received a painting from Tiwi artist Russellina Puruntatameri. 

After that, she ran out onto the field and impressed with 10 disposals and four tackles, all while showing composure whenever she got near the footy. 

Speaking to ABC Radio Darwin, Breed said the whole night was a “really cool experience”.

“My Mum, my Dad and my brother all flew down,” she said.

“It was cool to know that they were all watching and supporting.

“It was a pretty surreal feeling.”

Usually, a whole bunch of nerves come with debuting but Breed was able to put that all behind her on the night.

“I came to the game and the main feeling was just excitement,” she reflected.

“A few of the girls gave me a big hug and told me they were so excited to see what I could do.

“I just wanted to embrace the moment, I didn’t really feel too many nerves.

“I just thought I’ve got to go out and try to enjoy it.”

Hawthorn will be looking to bounce back from its 19-point loss to Essendon on Sunday at 1.05pm against the Western Bulldogs at Mars Stadium, Ballarat. 

Tickets for the game are available here while a membership remains the best way to secure access to the match.