Melbourne teen Taj Woewodin has set his sights on the brilliant lights of the MCG after an eye catching AFL debut.
Woewodin, son of 2000 Brownlow medallist Shane, had a dozen disposals, six contested possessions and a purpose help within the Demons’ 21-point win over St Kilda.
The composed efficiency earnt reward from coach Simon Goodwin and left the 20-year-old wanting extra as he seeks to cement his place within the top-four facet.
Melbourne host a blockbuster conflict with third-placed Brisbane on Friday evening.
“It would be (nice to hold my spot),” Woewodin informed AAP.
“It’s a big match-up and to knock them off at home would be really good.
“We’ll come ready throughout the week and see what comes of it.”
Woewodin had “real affect” on his debut, Goodwin said, and grew with confidence as the game went on.
It was a sign the hard-running talent is ready to compete at the top level after 18 months developing in the Demons’ VFL side.
Woewodin narrowly missed capping his debut with what would have been the sealing goal against St Kilda, when he burst forward in the final quarter.
“I used to be peeling off (in celebration),” Woewodin grinned.
“I believed it was getting into after which it is light actual late. It was a bit flattening.
“The atmosphere was really cool and with the speed of the game I definitely worked my way into it and held my own a little bit.
“It was an excellent sport to be part of.”
Shane Woewodin, who played 138 games for Melbourne and another 62 with Collingwood, admitted he was nervous watching Taj’s debut in the stands with a strong contingent of family and friends.
“He’s labored fairly exhausting to get thus far, so it is fairly particular for him,” the proud father informed AAP.
“It is an effective facet, fairly powerful to interrupt into over the 18 months, however he is executed his penance within the VFL and hopefully now he can maintain his spot.
“He’s got an opportunity, that’s all he needed really, and hopefully now he can go on with it.”
Shane Woewodin performed within the Melbourne’s 2000 grand closing and watched from the Optus Stadium stands because the Demons broke their 57-year premiership drought in 2021.
He warned rivals to not write off Goodwin’s facet this season regardless of their patchy type in current weeks.
“There’s opportunities there for them,” Woewodin stated.
“Their contest game is really good and their defensive game is really good. It’s just more the execution part of the wheel that’s been missing for a few weeks.
“If they’ll get that proper, they need to be OK. I would not write them off in any respect.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
