Dream debut for big man

LIVING THE DREAM From GFL to AFL, Abbott ready for hot welcome

RYAN Abbott says his long wait for an AFL debut has been all worth it after the Geelong ruckman earned a first game many only dream about.

The 27-year-old former Grovedale ruckman was last night named in the Cats’ team for tonight’s blockbuster against reigning premier Richmond, putting himself centre stage in front of an expected 73,000 at the MCG.

“It’s pretty much a dream debut, isn’t it? It should be a pretty packed house,” Abbott told the Geelong Advertiser last night.

“Friday night at the ’G, you couldn’t ask for a better time to debut and it’s a pretty important game for the club as well.

“We can really set up our next month and hopefully our finals campaign from here.”

Abbott’s inclusion was one of two changes made by the Cats, with Jamaine Jones also returning to the side.

Tom Stewart (ankle) and Quinton Narkle (personal) will both miss.

But with in-form ruckman Rhys Stanley under an injury cloud, Abbott still remains a chance to shoulder most of Geelong’s ruck load by himself as the Cats look to cement their spot inside the top eight.

His selection caps a whirlwind rise to the top for the local football export, who was playing in the GFL in 2016.

The mature-age recruit has been one of Geelong’s most dominant players in the VFL this season, but has had to wait patiently to get the nod.

Abbott said he was heading into the clash with the mentality of “keeping this as simple as I can”.

“I want to play to my strengths and compete really hard at the contest. Basically once the ball hits the deck (I want to) be another midfielder and help out my midfielders by tackling and chasing,” he said.

Abbott knows how important his job will be — with or without Stanley — as he prepares to come up against Toby Nankervis and Shaun Grigg in the middle of the ground.

“Nankervis is a really interesting ruckman. He competes really hard in the ruck, but he follows up with some really strong tackles and gets forward at times and can be really dangerous,” he said.

“Then you’ve got Grigg, who you can’t take lightly. As soon as the ball leaves the contest he is another mid.

“He can be dangerous. It’s an interesting combo and a really good challenge.”