West Australian first-round pick Cody Angove to debut for GWS Giants in clash with Geelong Cats
Cody Angove will play his first game for Greater Western Sydney against Geelong on Sunday, the fourth WA draftee to earn an AFL debut already this season.
The Giants confirmed the exciting news on Friday, with fellow WA product Stephen Coniglio making the announcement.
Coniglio lined up the first-year players at training and asked each to take a set shot, with Angove the last in line.
When his turn came, the former captain declared: 'If you can kick it, you're going to play your first game this week.'
The 18-year-old slotted the high-pressure goal and was swarmed by teammates.
'Code's since your first day in the club, you've looked like an AFL player,' Coniglio said.
'You've done more than enough work to deserve your opportunity, just go and enjoy it, mate.'
Angove was an unexpected first-round pick in last year's draft, taken with pick 24. He revealed to The West Australian at the time that he had 'cried for 10-15 minutes' after hearing his name called out.
'It was probably the most unexpected thing that's ever happened to me in my life,' Angove said back in November.
'I didn't even have my mum here because I didn't think (I would go). I watched it, not for me, but to watch my friends go. To watch Bo (Allan) and hopefully Hamish (Davis).
'It was unbelievable. I think I cried for 10-15 minutes. Just absolute shock, excitement and joy. Just so many emotions.'
Since arriving in New South Wales, the former forward has impressed as a dashing winger with his mix of speed and endurance, including in the club's pre-season practice match.
Angove has pushed hard for an AFL debut since and finally earned his opportunity following a brilliant 18-disposal, three-goal performance in the VFL last week, as well as injuries to WA duo Darcy Jones (knee) and Toby Bedford (eye).
Jones is expected to be a test for the club's clash with Fremantle next week.
Angove's inclusion means half of the state's eight players taken in the national draft last year have earned a senior call-up, following Hamish Davis (West Coast), Bo Allan (West Coast) and Hugh Boxshall (St Kilda).
Small forward Will Hayes (Collingwood) continues to push his case for a debut in a stacked Pies line-up, named as an emergency in the win over the Dockers on Thursday night.
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