Mitch Hibberd says it is a “dream come true” to get his first taste of competitive AFL-level footy.
For Hibberd, a passionate North fan as a youngster, lining up alongside players like Nick Dal Santo and Daniel Wells was an experience he won't forget in a hurry.
RELATED: Mitch Hibberd player profile
The draftee performed admirably in his first clash against the Pies in Saturday’s NAB Challenge in Wagga Wagga.
“Running out with all the boys in a North jumper was pretty surreal,” Hibberd told NMFC.com.au.
“I had to pinch myself when I put on the jumper. It was a really good experience and hopefully I can build on that and get a few more games in.”
Hibberd’s first touch didn’t go exactly to plan, with the youngster caught out by a slippery ball in the extreme heat, but he showed his composure and quick thinking to ensure he ended up with an effective disposal.
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“(I came) straight off of the bench and was just sitting under the ball. I went for a mark and it was 40 degrees and the ball was pretty slippery… (and when I) went for a mark in the hands, it just slipped.
“Luckily it didn’t result in a turnover, I was able to get on it quickly.
“Next time I’ll just be taking a safe chest mark and nothing too flashy,” the youngster said with a smile.
The 19-year-old said this year’s crop of draftees had all sought out each other’s advice, as they prepared for their debuts in the pre-season competition.
“Going into the weekend, I was asking the boys how they coped with the nerves and things like that.”
And he said lining up on the same oval as players the young players had seen on TV and from the stands in years previous was still something they had yet to get used to.
“Talking about the game, we’ve (the draftees) all sort of made the comment to each other that it’s a bit weird playing against these guys you grow up watching.”
With the club’s injury list shrinking and a Round 1 berth on every player’s mind, Hibberd said the intensity at training and in the NAB Challenge was continuing to increase.
“The competition for spots is definitely heating up,” he said.
“Going into this week, we’ve got about 40 or so blokes who are fit. It’s probably going to create a few headaches for the coaching staff.
“I think it’s pretty healthy to have competition. Everyone has put their best foot forward in the NAB Challenge to hopefully play this week and again in Round 1.”
