However, Taylor Garner was able to take many positives out of his first senior game for North Melbourne, and is looking to use it as a building block for the rest of 2013 and beyond.
“It was good to get the experience in the AFL and having something to work towards,” Garner told NMFC.com.au.
“It’s given me a taste, and hopefully I can get back this year. But if I don’t, it’s up to me to have a strong pre-season and keep pushing for more games.”
A favourite refrain from North's coaching staff is to aim to play ‘AFL football at VFL level', but Garner admits the step up was still a shock to the system.
“It was so much more intense out there (in the AFL); it took me a little bit by surprise. Now I know exactly what to expect if I do play more games.
“I understand now about playing AFL football at VFL level, and it’s about being more of a consistent performer through the four quarters.”
Development coach Josh Drummond played 94 games AFL games at Brisbane, and can understand the benefits of a senior hit-out in a player's development.
“It would have been a good experience (for Garner). Obviously it’s tough when you come on and play 15 minutes, but when you come on and see the environment, the atmosphere and just being around with the preparation is all a good part of his development," he said.
“That way the next time he gets a game, which is hopefully sooner rather than later, he’s got the first one out of the way and he can just get down to business.”
Regularly used forward of the ball this year in the VFL, Garner played more in the centre during North Ballarat’s 19-point loss to Williamstown.
He collected 21 disposals to go with 6 tackles, 12 one percenters and 3 spoils.
“He’s someone we see in the future as being able to play not only as a marking, crumbing forward but also someone who can go into the midfield and create some havoc.”
Garner enjoyed playing a different role, despite the challenges it presented.
“In the midfield it’s up to you to get to every contest and put in, whereas down forward it’s more about how you read the ball and where it’s going," he added.
“It’s good to crack in and try to win your own ball.”
A feature of Garner's style throughout 2013 has been his tackling. For a 19-year-old, his philosophy is simple.
“If I want to tackle someone, I want to tackle to hurt them. Then I want to hold the ball in and get a holding the ball decision rather than tackling softly and letting the ball spill out.
“It’s more to do with your aggression towards the ball. If you really want to tackle someone you will.”
