FRESH FROM his first game of AFL-grade football, Logan Austin is hungry for more.
Playing on Travis Cloke for much of the day, Austin was one of the lucky players to chalk up a win on debut.
Far from discrediting himself either, he looked a player who was composed at the elite level and looks set for more game time this year with injuries to Alipate Carlile and Jack Hombsch leaving a vacancy in the Power’s key backman position.
“[IT was] really exciting, obviously when I got told I was pretty happy,” Austin said.
“Just to be out there with the boys and have such a good win, we’re all so close here at the club so it was a pretty special day.
“It helps when you’ve got great teammates around you, the boys made it pretty easy for me.”
Ken Hinkley instructed Austin to play his role aggressively, but importantly to have fun in his first appearance in the AFL.
And while he admitted it took time to adjust to the speed and intensity of Australian Football’s top flight, Austin said support from his teammates was crucial to his performance.
“We have Jasper [Pittard] down there, and Paul Stewart and even Westhoff at times,” Austin said.
“It makes it easier for you when you’ve got those leaders around you.
“[The] bigger bodies you know have played a lot of footy, you respect all of the opposition players out there.
“It was just a really good feeling, just a special day.”
Port Adelaide has finished the first half of its 2016 campaign; after an indifferent start it now stands with a positive 6-5 ledger.
Austin is keen to keep his place in the team and if selected against the Bulldogs this weekend, hopes to see the Power faithful turn out in force at the Adelaide Oval after a disappointing 27,000 crowd at the MCG on Sunday, even with a large travelling contingent of Port fans.
“It definitely makes me hungry, and I guess in a team perspective at the moment we’re 6-5, so we’re all hungry at the moment to keep playing well,” Austin said.
“I’m just looking to do my bit for the team and keep playing my role.
“Hopefully we get a good crowd this week and they’ll support us, they were really good in Melbourne yesterday.
“I’m sure if everyone plays their role like we did we’ll do all right.”
Port Adelaide hosts the Western Bulldogs on Saturday 11 May at 1.10pm (ACST).
Can’t make the game? Make sure you hand your ticket to a mate who can!
