Dreams came true on Sunday at the MCG when Jai Culley played his first AFL game for the Eagles.

The forward turned midfielder from Dandenong said it was a humbling experience to run out onto the ‘G.

“It was unreal, I was pretty stoked to run out with the boys. The home of footy. It’s pretty humbling,” Jai said.

The debutant put on a stellar performance, laying 11 tackles, and collecting 12 disposals with seven clearances through the midfield, showing an impressive workrate stoppage to stoppage.

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Commenting on his own performance, Culley said his focus was to play his best footy to get a win for the team.

“It wasn’t about expectations; it was more about doing my best for the team,” he said.

Playing at AFL level from under 18s without an AFL pre-season would be a big jump for any 19-year-old but Culley believed he was able to adjust quickly with the help of playing through the WAFL.

Since arriving at the club, he has showed determination and commitment with his teammate Tom Barrass comparing him to Matt Priddis and praising his workmanlike mentality.

“His work ethic will hold him in really good stead throughout his career, he’s been in every day on the rebound nets,” Barrass told SEN WA.

“If he’s doing ‘Pridda-esk’ stuff, I’m sure he’ll have a career that will turn out quite similar.”

The hard ball-winner hopes to play as many games as possible at AFL level.

With a home game against the Saints at Optus Stadium looming, Culley will certainly take the opportunity if it presents itself.

“I played there at the WAFL game with no crowd, but with 40,000 in the house that would be crazy.”