Shepparton football product Matt Whitlock made his AFL debut for the Kangaroos against last year’s grand finalist Sydney in round four.
The young Roos were blown away by the seasoned Swans at Marvel Stadium, with Sydney romping to a dominant 65-point victory.
While North Melbourne fans would have left the ground flattened by the team’s loss, their 197cm talent will keep them optimistic about the club’s future.
Whitlock made his debut after impressing at VFL level, registering 27 disposals and seven marks against Box Hill the previous weekend.
The towering defender was told via a video from his twin brother and Port Adelaide player, Jack, that he would be making his debut to the raptures of his teammates last Thursday.
Whitlock didn’t appear frazzled by the big stage, as he collected 10 disposals at 70 per cent efficiency and three marks.
North Melbourne star Harry Sheezel spoke after the match and, while disappointed by his side’s performance, was buoyed by Whitlock's composure in front of a crowd just shy of 32,000.
“He has been really impressive at VFL level, playing to his strengths,” Sheezel told North Melbourne’s media team.
“The thing I love about him is he has such great composure.
“He had a couple of mistakes tonight, but the thing I love about him is he keeps going for it, keeps backing in his skills because he is such a skilful player.
“He is going to be a really important player for us in the future.”
Whitlock was tactically subbed off in the third quarter.
Still only 18, it’s impressive for Whitlock to have made his debut as a key position player so early into his maiden season.
The young gun defender will be hoping to keep his spot in the side for this Saturday’s match against Gold Coast.
The game will be held at Barossa Park in South Australia as part of the AFL’s highly popular Gather Round.
Whitlock was drafted out of Shepparton and Murray Bushrangers with pick 27 in the 2024 AFL Draft last November.
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