Young gun Zane Trew says it was a “dream come true” to make his AFL debut at the MCG after enduring a tough two seasons interrupted by injuries.
Trew could prove a bargain recruit for West Coast after he slipped through to the rookie draft in 2020, but he hasn’t been able to build consistency in training and games due to setbacks with his body.
In a frustrating run, the 20-year-old dealt with stress fractures in his back last year, soft-tissue problems and shin splints coming into this year.
But his first game was worth the wait, with Trew facing Richmond on Sunday and kicking a goal in an impressive 13-disposal display.
Nine of his touches came during the third quarter, when he was the leading disposal-winner on the ground for the term, and involved in six scores – more than any other player.
“The first half I was trying to find my way a bit. I think I got going in the third (quarter) and showed what I can do at AFL level,” Trew said.
“Felt comfortable out there and I think that will give me confidence in the future to prove that I can perform at AFL level, so yeah I thought I was OK.
“It’s pretty fast and you can’t really afford to fumble at AFL level – they’re probably the main things I took out of it.”
Trew conceded it has been “tough” to keep bouncing back from injuries, but there had been valuable lessons – as well as guidance from skipper Luke Shuey – throughout the ups and downs.
“A lot of hard work and resilience and stuff like that got me through,” Trew said.
“Wouldn’t change it for the world. All the hard times make you tougher in the long run, so I’m grateful and I’m happy I’m here now.
“(Shuey) put his arms around me and made me feel pretty welcome. He’s always been there for me.
“Obviously had a pretty tough two years, so to have him there and be by my side has been good, and all the boys have been great for me as well. We’re pretty close.”
Trew’s goal came during the dying stage of the third quarter on Sunday, and brought the margin back to just 11 points after the Eagles' brave fightback from 34 points down at the long break.
The crafty midfielder took his time after being tripped to soak in the moment before kicking truly, showing no signs of nerves.
“I was more thinking ‘how good’s this? This is my dream come true’,” Trew said.
“When I went back I soaked it all in. Obviously dreamt of that moment as a kid, so it was pretty cool and I was pretty happy when it went through.
“To run out with all the boys through the banner and to embrace the whole stadium and atmosphere was pretty cool. It was something I won’t forget.
“I think we’ve had 15 (debutants) this year. It’s pretty exciting for us to have a lot of young players coming through.
“It’s exciting for the next few years I think.”
