Once drafted into an AFL system, that’s when the real hard work starts.

Some players might debut in Round 1 and play every game of their first season, some might play a smattering of games in their first year as they drop in and out of the team, some are made to bide their time, and some never play at all.

After almost 18 frustrating months on the sidelines, Charlie Comben will suit up for his first AFL game this weekend, with the tall forward named in the North Melbourne side to take on Sydney.

On Thursday at main training, his dream became reality. 

01:30

Shinboner #1037 revealed (August 12, 2021)

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Injuries have debilitated Comben's time at North, with stress fractures in his back all but ending his 2020, before stress fractures in his tibia put his 2021 on hold.

His journey over the past two years both on and off the field has been unique, and David Noble says the number 30 deserves his chance at the big time.

“Charlie’s done an unbelievable job to get back into contention from where he started at the beginning of the year,” Noble said.

“He’s like a lot of those young guys, he’s very impatient, but he’s shown some good signs. His competitiveness is really good, he’s got the capacity to play forward and a little bit of ruck.”

“He’s overcome some personal adversities as well - he lost his mum in the last 12 months.

“It’s been an unbelievable journey and a real shining light for a young man to aspire to continue to believe and aspire to his dream.”

No AFL debut is just handed out, it’s been the exceptional body of work Comben has put together since returning to fitness that has allowed him to progress to this stage.

After kicking four goals in one half of his return game a month ago, he followed it up a dominant two goal-performance at VFL level.

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Charlie Comben kicks four in a half (July 17, 2021)

Charlie Comben pulls on the blue and white stripes for the first time in 18 months and kicks four goals in the first half in a VFL scratch match in Brisbane.

Noble says it’s Comben’s mentality and approach to football that enabled him to hit the ground running upon his return.

“He’s probably in the top three or four [players] I’ve dealt with as far as being driven,” the North coach said.

“The amount of drive he’s got, and determination to get himself to this point has been staggering.

“His positivity around his belief, body and ability has allowed him to be settled in his body, and take a bit more time to heal this year.”