The great debut

David Marshall v Hawthorn at Football Park, round one, 1991

Stats overview: 29 disposals, 22 kicks, seven marks, two goals

Marshall was the oldest player on the Crows' list for their inaugural season in 1991. The 30-year-old had already racked up a stack of achievements in a long career with Glenelg in the SANFL before joining the Crows. The wingman played a vital role as the Crows upset eventual premier Hawthorn by 86 points. He picked up two Brownlow Medal votes, with teammate Andrew Jarman grabbing best on ground honours.

Career from here? Marshall played just 26 games for the Crows, averaging 23 disposals per game, before retiring at the end of the 1992 season, aged 32. He went back and finished his career with Glenelg in 1993, ending with 353 games for the Tigers.

The false start

Andrew McLeod v Melbourne at Football Park, round six, 1995

Stats overview: One kick, three handballs, two tackles

It was a quiet introduction for the 18-year-old in the eight-point win against the Demons. Originally from Darwin, McLeod won a SANFL premiership with Port Adelaide in 1994, kicking two goals in the grand final. He was then selected in the 1994 pre-draft by Fremantle, who subsequently traded McLeod to the Crows for forward Chris Groom.

Career from here? McLeod went on to become one of the all-time greats, playing a club-record 340 games, winning back-to-back Norm Smith medals in the Crows' premiership sides in 1997 and 1998 and earning All Australian honours five times. - Lee Gaskin

The great debut

Bradd Dalziell v West Coast, at the Gabba, round 16, 2008

Stats overview: 14 kicks, 18 handballs, seven marks, five tackles

Dalziell came from relative obscurity to debut as a 21-year-old. The previous year he was playing largely for the East Fremantle reserves but was plucked by the Lions with the No.52 pick in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft. His 32-disposal outing against the Eagles was a then-AFL record (post 1992) for most possessions in a debut.

Career from here? After two seasons in Brisbane he was traded to West Coast in a deal that saw the Lions land Brent Staker. After four more seasons, and a total of 43 career games, Dalziell was delisted and returned to the WAFL.

The false start

Jonathan Brown v Adelaide at the Gabba, round five, 2000

Stats overview: Zero kicks, zero handballs, one tackle

Brown was taken by the Lions as a father-son selection – pick No.30 – in the 1999 NAB AFL Draft. His debut as an 18-year-old against the powerful Crows was a nightmare with his only meaningful involvement winning a free kick, which Jarrod Molloy played on from to cost him a stat. Brisbane won by 30 points, led by five goals from Alastair Lynch.

Career from here? One of the all-time great Lions, Brown played 256 games, kicked 594 goals, was a club captain, All Australian, Coleman Medallist and three-time premiership star. - Michael Whiting

The great debut

Andrew Walker v West Coast at Princes Park, round five, 2004

Stats overview: 26 disposals, nine marks, four tackles, three clearances

At just 17 years of age, Walker's debut had it all. From classy one-handed pickups to high-flying marking attempts, Carlton's No.2 draft pick electrified the Princes Park crowd. He won 26 disposals, with his ability to glide around the park and use the ball to great effect demonstrated throughout Carlton's big win.

Career from here? A 202-game career was plagued by injury. He moved from one end of the field to the other, having his best season as a forward in a 2011 campaign that yielded 56 goals.

The false start

Kade Simpson v Geelong at Docklands, round 11, 2003

Stats overview: Zero disposals, two tackles, one clanger

It wasn't just a debut to forget for Simpson. He went his first three games without registering a single disposal. Playing as a small forward, the scrawny pick No.45 simply couldn't get near it. Fortunately, he soon found a knack for winning the footy. Eventually, in game No.4 – the following season – he won his first touch.

Career from here? He has become one of Carlton's greatest servants, playing 308 games and earning the respect of the entire competition with his courage and tenacity. - Riley Beveridge

The great debut

Mark McGough v Hawthorn at the MCG, round four, 2002

Stats overview: 22 disposals, a team-high six clearances, five inside 50s and 2.2

The mere mention of McGough's name conjures images of the chunky 17-year-old winning the 2002 Anzac Medal after being best on ground on a heavy MCG in the annual clash with Essendon. That was his second AFL game. On debut the previous week, McGough was a strong contributor to Collingwood's 41-point win over Hawthorn, earning two votes in the Brownlow Medal, behind only his superstar skipper Nathan Buckley in terms of influence.

Career from here? Continued to enjoy Anzac Day games but soon faded, before having a short stint with St Kilda.

The false start

Tony Francis v West Coast at Subiaco, round one, 1990

Stats overview: Six kicks, seven handballs, no marks, one tackle

The pint-sized South Australian made his AFL debut on his 21st birthday, but there would be little to celebrate. It wasn't that Francis performed all that poorly – in that case he wouldn't have been alone in a 46-point loss. The fact was he was reported for kicking Eagles key defender Murray Rance and would be suspended for six games.

Career from here? The tenacious rover bounced back hard to be one of the Pies' best in their drought-breaking premiership that year, and a club champion and All Australian the next year. – Ben Collins

The great debut

Scott Cummings v Sydney at the MCG, round 14, 1994

Stats overview: 10 kicks, eight marks and eight goals

Only three players in AFL/VFL history have kicked more goals on debut than Cummings, whose eight-goal haul for the Bombers powered the club to a win over the Swans in 1994. It was a brilliant display from the strong and long-kicking full forward, and he went on to boot 32 goals in 10 games in his maiden season for Essendon at the top level. In an era of the game blessed with star key forwards across the competition, the Bombers looked to have uncovered another.

Career from here? Essendon was the first of four clubs Cummings played for during his career, with his best season coming for West Coast in 1999 when he booted 95 goals to win the Coleman Medal. 

The false start

Jobe Watson v Geelong at Docklands Stadium (now Marvel Stadium) round 13, 2003

Stats overview: Two handballs, zero kicks, two tackles

There was plenty of hype ahead of Watson's debut game, given the Bombers were keen to blood the son of former great and three-time premiership star Tim. The clash with the Cats came on a Friday night, and although the cameras were regularly focused on Watson, they didn't capture too much action with Watson collecting just the two handballs. Essendon won comfortably so Watson ended the game with a big grin, but his first game wasn't a sign of how his career would develop. 

Career from here? Watson became one of the premier ball-winners in the competition, captaining Essendon and winning three best and fairests. - Callum Twomey

The great debut

Ryan Nyhuis v North Melbourne at Docklands Stadium (now Marvel Stadium), round 16, 2017

Stats overview: Nine disposals, five contested possessions, five marks, four goals

An accidental hero, Nyhuis was called up at the last minute to replace an ill David Mundy and thrown forward for the first time in his life. What unfolded was the stuff of dreams. The Northern Territory rookie slotted a goal with his first kick and two more in the nail-biting final term to seal a thrilling four-point victory. His four majors was the best return by a Docker on debut.

Career from here? Nyhuis was soon sent back to more unfamiliar surrounds but remains on the selection fringes as a lockdown defender and has made 12 appearances.

The false start

Nat Fyfe v Richmond at Subiaco Oval, round five, 2010

Stats overview: 13 disposals, two tackles, one goal, four behinds

Fyfe's overall debut was anything but a shocker, but the talented pick 20 just couldn't convert. Playing as a "small forward" alongside Matthew Pavlich and only tipping the scales at about 70kg, Fyfe recalls sneaking through his first major "unconvincingly". Contributing to a 15.22 (112) scoreline, he was part of a comfortable 39-point win over the Tigers.

Career from here? If the 2015 Brownlow medallist isn't the best player in the game, he's in the top three, and while it's probably not his strong suit his goalkicking record is a respectable 133.95 over his career. – Travis King

The great debut

James Podsiadly v Fremantle at Kardinia Park, round three, 2010

Stats overview: 17 disposals, 11 marks (six contested) and kicked 2.2

Bursting onto the AFL scene at the ripe old age of 28, the VFL journeyman made up for lost time with an imposing display. Sharing a forward line with Tom Hawkins and Steve Johnson, Podsiadly kicked his second in the dying stages to put the Cats ahead before the Dockers stole victory through Paul Duffield.

Career from here? Forty-one matches later he was a premiership player, going on to play his fifth and final season at Adelaide in 2014 to finish with 104 games and 195 goals. 

The false start

Matthew Scarlett v Essendon at MCG, round 22, 1998

Stats overview: Six disposals, two marks and one tackle, conceding six goals against Matthew Lloyd

Described by Lloyd as "raw and as skinny as a toothpick", Scarlett was thrown in the deep end against the rampaging full-forward. The 19-year-old father-son had spent his first year in the reserves and was called upon for the final match of the season. Trailing all match, the Cats eventually scraped home by 10 points as Paul Lynch kicked five majors.

Career from here? Triple premiership player, six-time All Australian and Australian Football Hall of Fame Member. Enough said. – Mitch Cleary

The great debut

Tom Lynch v Brisbane at the Gabba, round seven, 2011

Stats overview: 12 kicks, five handballs, nine marks, two goals

Alongside Sam Day and Joey Daye, Lynch debuted in one of the most memorable matches in Suns history, upsetting neighbouring Brisbane by eight points in the inaugural QClash. Selected with pick 11 in the previous draft, Lynch showed glimpses of his enormous potential with 17 touches and two goals as a gangly key forward.

Career from here? The club's first 'home grown' All Australian (from draft to AA selection), Lynch was undoubtedly the best player not named Ablett to wear Gold Coast colours before heading to Richmond as a free agent in the off-season.

The false start

Jack Martin v Richmond at Metricon Stadium, round one, 2014

Stats overview: Zero kicks, three handballs, zero marks

Hailed as one of the most prodigious talents to enter the competition in the AFL era, Martin's first game was memorable for the wrong reason. Midway through the first quarter he dived for a mark and dislocated his shoulder, not only costing him the rest of the match, but the next 12 weeks.

Career from here? Still just 24 and starting his sixth season, Martin is under-rated around the League. He has two top-three best and fairest finishes – admittedly in a weak team – despite rarely being left to settle in one position. - Michael Whiting

The great debut

Jacob Hopper v Gold Coast at Spotless Stadium (now Giants Stadium), round eight, 2016

Stats overview: 32 disposals, seven inside 50s, nine clearances

After being made to work hard for his debut, which was delayed by an extra couple of weeks after a pool accident at home, Hopper racked up 32 possessions, nine clearances and seven inside 50s in the Giants' 91-point mauling of the Suns. The tough onballer showed why GWS used pick No.7 to snare the Academy product the previous year.

Career from here? Injuries and illness have impacted Hopper's career since his stellar first outing, but he's still an important part of the midfield, and started this year with 28 touches against Essendon.

The false start

Jeremy Cameron v Sydney at ANZ Stadium, round one, 2012

Stats overview: Eight disposals, five marks, no goals

Like most of his Giants teammates, Cameron found the going tough against the Swans in the club's first ever match, a 63-point loss. He went goalless from six kicks as GWS struggled to match their more experienced crosstown rivals.

Career from here? Cameron's 29 goals in the Giants' debut season topped their goalkicking, and he's done the same in every season since (sharing the award with Toby Greene and Jon Patton in 2017). His 62 goals earned him the best and fairest award and All Australian selection in 2013, and he now has 331 majors from 131 games in the competition. – Adam Curley

The great debut

Beau Muston v Melbourne at the MCG, round nine, 2009

Stats overview: 31 disposals, 10 marks, one goal

After being drafted at pick 22 in 2005, Muston had to wait four years to finally make his AFL debut. A series of knee injuries cruelled the early part of his career, but finally at 22 years of age he donned the brown and gold for the first time. And what a debut it was. The midfielder burst onto the scene with 31 disposals, 10 marks and an incredible goal from outside 50 near the boundary line. 

Career from here? Unfortunately, Muston suffered a number of injuries and dips in forms throughout his short career. He was delisted in 2013 after just 13 senior games.

The false start

Sam Mitchell v Richmond at the MCG, round five, 2002

Stats overview: Four disposals, four tackles

After being overlooked in the 2000 AFL Draft, Mitchell spent a year honing his craft in the VFL at Box Hill. The Hawks then selected him at pick 36 in 2001, and he made his debut in round five the following year. It was a less-than-impressive start with the midfielder managing just four touches for the game, and only one of them was a kick. He played eight more senior games that year. But in the VFL, he polled 31 votes in just 11 games to win the JJ Liston Trophy for the best and fairest player in the League.

Career from here? It may have been a lacklustre start to his career, but Mitchell finished his time at Hawthorn a four-time premiership player. He won five club best and fairest awards, and shared the Brownlow Medal in 2012 with Trent Cotchin. - Nat Edwards

Read: Sis rebounds into records

The great debut

Jack Viney v Port Adelaide at the MCG, round one, 2013

Stats overview: 22 disposals, six clearances, 16 contested possessions (equal-game high), one goal

At 18, Viney was one of Melbourne's best players in a dismal day for the Demons. Melbourne's 70-point loss was branded as "embarrassing" but Viney earned praise for his performance and his on and off-field leadership as a young player. The tough midfielder, pick No.26 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft, as a father-son selection, earned a Rising Star nomination late in the season and quickly became a staple of Melbourne's onball division.

Career from here? Viney is now Melbourne's co-captain after proving his value as a player who embodies the culture and spirit of the club. A troublesome foot injury has hampered his career progression over the last 18 months, but the club is hopeful he will recapture his best form soon.

The false start

Allen Jakovich v West Coast at Subiaco, round one, 1991

Stats overview: Five kicks, two marks, six disposals, no goals

Jakovich's debut was not one to remember with both he and David Schwarz, also playing his first game, going goalless. The Demons scored just 20 points in a humiliating 79-point loss to the Eagles. Jakovich, 23, was dropped the following week but went on to boot 60 goals in 10 games in the reserves. He earned a recall and proceeded to brain the opposition with two bags of six goals, two bags of eight and a seven-goal haul in round 19 to round out the 1991 season.

Career from here? Jakovich was one of the most enigmatic players in AFL history, with the cult figure booting 208 goals from 54 career matches. A back injury cut his career short at the end of 1994, before he attempted an ill-fated comeback with Footscray in 1996. - Ben Guthrie

The great debut

Adrian McAdam v Richmond at the MCG, round five, 1993 

Stats overview: 10 kicks, three marks, seven goals, two behinds

The silky-skilled, Alice Springs-born Kangaroo booted 30 goals in four reserves games before a Darren Crocker injury gave him his shot. McAdam made an instant impression with seven goals in a forward line that included Wayne Carey and John Longmire, who combined for seven more majors. The then-22-year-old slotted 10 and six goals the next two weeks and finished with 68 in an amazing campaign.

Career from here? In McAdam's words, he didn't work hard enough once the increased attention came. He played only 36 games, none of which came after he was traded to the Pies.

The false start

Brent Harvey v Richmond at the MCG, round 22, 1996 

Stats overview: One handball

Harvey had to wait until round 22 of his first season to make his maiden senior appearance after the Roos drafted him with pick 47 in the previous year's draft. North won by 32 points, but the 18-year-old's contribution was a solitary handball to teammate David King. Who would have predicted what he'd become after that match?

Career from here? Harvey overtook Michael Tuck to become the AFL's games record-holder with 432 in a brilliant 21-season career that ended somewhat controversially in 2016. The multiple state representative was still going strong, but the Roos were keen to offer their kids more chances. - Marc McGowan

The great debut

Ollie Wines v Melbourne at the MCG, round one, 2013

Stats overview: 24 disposals, seven marks, six inside 50s, one goal

Wines showed what the Demons they missed out on, turning in an impressive display to lead the Power to a comprehensive 79-point victory. The Power were more than happy to snare Wines with the seventh overall pick in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft. The Demons could have taken him, but instead chose Jimmy Toumpas with the fourth selection. Toumpas was last year delisted – in a strange twist – by the Power.

Career from here? Wines, 24, is now co-captain of the Power, alongside Tom Jonas, has played 129 games and last year signed a four-year contract extension until 2022.

The false start

Warren Tredrea v Essendon at Football Park, round two, 1997

Stats overview: Two kicks, two handballs, one tackle, no goals

The Power brought in Tredrea for their second game in the AFL. The 18-year-old forward couldn't get into the game, having just four disposals in the 33-point loss to Essendon. It was Tredrea's only AFL game of the season as he spent the rest of the year developing his game in the SANFL.

Career from here? Tredrea finished his career as one of the great modern-day key forwards, kicking 549 goals in 255 games, earning four straight All Australian honours (2001-04), winning Port's best and fairest four times (2001, 2004-05, 2009) and playing in their 2004 premiership. - Lee Gaskin

The great debut

Dean Polo v Essendon at the MCG, round six, 2006

Stats overview: 28 disposals (11 contested possessions), six marks, three goals

Polo was drafted with pick 20 in the 2004 draft which also gave Richmond Brett Deledio and Richard Tambling. It took him two years to make his debut and it came in one of the biggest games for Richmond (at the time), Dreamtime at the 'G. Polo was instrumental in the two-point win in front of 58,439 people and won the Yiooken Award for best afield.

Career from here? Polo played another 55 games for Richmond but never reached the heights of his debut. He was delisted at the end of 2010 and played another two seasons at St Kilda after being drafted with pick 103. 

The false start

Chris Newman v St Kilda at Docklands Stadium (now Marvel Stadium), round nine, 2002

Stats overview: Six disposals, two marks, one tackle

Newman didn't play in his first year after being drafted with pick 55 at the end of 2000. After showing strong form for Coburg in the VFL, he made his debut in round nine. It was an inauspicious start for the future skipper, rarely getting his hands on the ball in the nine-point loss.

Career from here? Became one of Richmond's most reliable players in a dark period for the club, patrolling off half-back (at his peak in 2008 he averaged 20 touches) and captaining the club from 2009 to 2012. Played 268 games across 15 years. – Sarah Black

The great debut

Luke Dunstan v Melbourne at Docklands Stadium (now Marvel Stadium), round one, 2014

Stats overview: 21 disposals, seven marks, seven tackles, five clearances

A tough onballer, Dunstan was busy all night in his first game. The best indication of how much he impressed was his NAB AFL Rising Star nomination at the round's end. He made an instant impact and helped St Kilda beat Melbourne in Alan Richardson's first game as coach of the Saints.

Career from here? 2019 is a huge year for the South Australian, who hasn't established himself as a regular in the senior side in the final season of his contract, but the left-footer started well against Gold Coast.

The false start

Nick Riewoldt v Adelaide at Docklands Stadium (now Marvel Stadium), round 15, 2001

Stats overview: Three disposals, one mark, no goals

It was a rough start for the reigning No.1 draftee. The key forward collected just three disposals, one mark and one behind. He never really had a chance to perform well though, with his side pumped by 97 points, and Malcolm Blight was sacked as coach days later. In the rooms afterward, the key forward asked his dad whether he'd be a one-game wonder.

Career from here? It got better. Riewoldt ended up being third for all-time games captained by an AFL/VFL player with 220, took his side to three Grand Finals over a career spanning 336 matches and is widely acknowledged as a champion of the game. - Dinny Navaratnam

The great debut

Ryan Fitzgerald v St Kilda at Docklands Stadium (now Marvel Stadium), round one, 2000

Stats overview: Five goals, nine disposals, five marks

The Swans took the mature-aged tall forward with pick No.4 at the 1998 NAB AFL draft and it looked an inspired selection when the 23-year-old snagged five on debut. Fitzgerald had 11 goals from his first three games, all wins, but Sydney lost 10 of the next 12 and eventually missed the finals.

Career from here? Knee injuries meant Fitzgerald managed only 10 games at the Swans before being traded to Adelaide, where it was a similar story and he retired at the end of 2002 with 18 in total. It's not all bad news however. A stint on Big Brother catapulted 'Fitzy' into a successful career in radio and television.

The false start

Jude Bolton v Carlton at Princes Park (now IKON Park), round 12, 1999

Stats overview: Six disposals, three tackles

The skinny kid struggled to make an impact against the Blues with three kicks, three handballs and three tackles, but the Swans did grab a 27-point win. In limited game time, Bolton watched on as Paul Kelly, Daryn Cresswell, Wayne Schwass and Stuart Maxfield showed him the midfield ropes.

Career from here? Bolton became a Sydney great and one of the most courageous players in the game, helping the Swans to a drought-breaking premiership in 2005 and another in 2012. He finished with 325 games, currently second all-time at the Swans behind good friend and former teammate Adam Goodes (372). – Adam Curley

The great debut

Chris Judd v Collingwood at the MCG, round two, 2002

Stats overview: 19 disposals, 12 contested possessions, six inside 50s, five clearances, one goal

It has entered folklore that Judd was famously overlooked for round one and then torched West Perth in the WAFL to ensure that never happened again, but his AFL debut wasn't bad either. Against a powerful Magpies outfit, Judd's midfield dash caught the eye and he booted a last-quarter goal as the Eagles fell agonisingly short by a point at the MCG.

Career from here? The dual Brownlow medallist and premiership captain retired as arguably one of the three greatest players since the turn of the century alongside Gary Ablett and Lance Franklin. 

The false start

Peter Matera v Collingwood at Subiaco Oval, round one, 1990

Stats overview: Nine disposals, one behind, two hitouts

After tearing it up for South Fremantle in the WAFL, the electrifying wingman made an inauspicious debut for the Eagles two days shy of his 21st birthday, picking up just nine touches in a comfortable 46-point belting of Collingwood in Perth. Matera didn't play again until round seven and managed only five appearances in his debut season.

Career from here? Only two years after his debut Matera led West Coast to the club's first premiership with a sizzling five-goal haul from a wing, and retired as a five-time All Australian, dual premiership player, Norm Smith medallist and arguably the greatest-ever Eagle. – Travis King

The great debut

Jason Tutt v Port Adelaide at Football Park, round 22, 2011

Stats overview: Four goals, 26 disposals, six marks, two goal assists

How does three goals with your first three kicks grab you? Pick No.31 in the 2009 National Draft, Tutt was a revelation on debut and even earned himself one Brownlow vote in a 10-goal win against the Power.

Career from here? After bursting onto the scene, Tutt quickly went from potential star to a fringe player and only managed 26 games between 2011-2014. In his 40-game career for the Western Bulldogs and later Carlton, the midfielder never topped his four-goal or 26-disposal effort.

The false start

Luke Darcy v St Kilda at Waverley Park, round 21, 1994

Stats overview: Two handballs, one tackle, zero kicks, zero hitouts

Nineteen-year-old Darcy made his debut in a 45-point win for the Dogs and joined the unwanted club of players who have failed to register a kick in their first game. Club greats Chris Grant, Doug Hawkins, Brad Johnson and Tony Liberatore all featured in the win over the Saints, while the VFL/AFL's all-time leading goalkicker Tony Lockett booted five of St Kilda's 10 goals.

Career from here? Outstanding. Darcy became one of the elite ruckmen of the AFL across his 226-game career, culminating in All Australian honours and the Leigh Matthews Trophy in 2002. He also led the Bulldogs' goalkicking in 2004 before a serious knee injury the following season. - Paul Bastin