DOUGAL Howard will play his first AFL game on Saturday, and it will be in front of a home crowd when he does so. 

Having grown up around Albury on the New South Wales-Victoria border, Howard, 18, will become one of few players to play his first game in an AFL guernsey against his local crowd. 

"It's really exciting to be back, it's a good feeling having the boys here, and a good feeling being in front of a crowd," Howard told portadelaidefc.com.au.

"It should be a good arvo tomorrow, and the ground looks good as well. 

"Pre-season's been massive - mentally and physically tough - and now it's all done, I'm looking forward to getting into a few games."

Howard has trained well during the Power's pre-season and will get the opportunity to take on a full-strength Tigers as part of an inexperienced Port line-up.

It means he'll get a solid, early exposure to a high quality football opponent. 

But Howard is also looking to enjoy his first stint in a Power guernsey.

"I just want to do my best, give my all and show the other boys what I can do, that's the big one for me.

"I'll try and get my hands on the ball early, try and play my usual game, fly for marks and take a few bodies with me."

portadelaidefc.com.au will confirm the Power's final team for tomorrow at 2:40pm (ACST)