FLYNN Appleby became the first former Cohuna player in more than two decades to play an Australian Football League match at the weekend.
The 19-year-old replaced defender, Tom Langdon in Collingwood’s side, accumulating eight disposals and three tackles in the Magpies’ 43-point loss to defending premiers, Richmond.
Although the club announced 90 minutes before the the opening bounce that the former Cohuna Kangas junior would make his debut, Appleby found out on Saturday afternoon after being informed by coach, Nathan Buckley.
“I didn’t know where I was at [in relation to when I would make my debut]. I was obviously hopeful so I kept on trying to put my name out there [when it came to selection]. That’s all you can do,” he said after the match during an interview on the Collingwood Football Club website.
“I was lucky this week that an opportunity came.”
Appleby’s family travelled from Cohuna for the match, with fellow defender, Lynden Dunn presenting him with his jumper pre-match.
“My dad’s a long-time Collingwood supporter, so he was really enjoying it (being in the rooms before the game for the jumper presentation),” Appleby said.
In what was touted to be one of the games of the season, the Magpies challenged the defending premiers in front of a crowd of more than 72,000 people, before the Tigers kicked eight goals in the final term.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to play against a quality side,” Appleby said.
“It was a great experience playing in front of that many people. You’ve just got to soak it all up.
“It’s a one-time thing (making your AFL debut), so when you are going into it you have to just embrace it and enjoy it. That’s what I did.”
