PORT ADELAIDE’s latest debutant, Martin Frederick, has described his first AFL game as “a dream come true” and a massive occasion for himself, his family and his community.

Frederick impressed in his first outing with 23 disposals and six marks, looking composed and comfortable at the level as Port Adelaide beat St Kilda by 54 points on ANZAC Day evening.

The Next Generation Academy product showed his trademark speed and willingness to take the game on in a strong first-up showing at Adelaide Oval.

After the game, the 20-year-old said having his family there to watch and playing with fellow South Sudanese player Aliir Aliir made the occasion more special.

“It’s a dream come true,” Frederick said. “Ever since I started and started following footy and Port Adelaide, I can’t describe it at the moment.

“I’m just wanting to celebrate with my family and friends.

“Aliir and Majak (Daw) were pioneers so I’ve always looked up to them and it’s even better when I make my debut with a guy like Aliir who is always happy and always gets around me.

“It’s massive for me, my community and my family.”

Frederick’s story is incredible. As a child he and his twin brother Michael Frederick - now playing with Fremantle - had never seen a football until one landed in their backyard.

He came through the Portland Football Club, in Port Adelaide’s heartland as a Port supporter and was part of the club’s Multicultural Next Generation Academy set up from the age of 16 before being claimed as a Category B rookie in the 2018 AFL National Draft.

But late in 2020, the defender was left without a contract and had to bide his time while the club determined whether to retain him on its list.

With a new contract in hand, Frederick set about putting together a strong pre-season and built upon it in the early rounds of the SANFL before finally getting his AFL chance against the Saints.

“You always hope,” Frederick explained when asked whether he knew he was close to an AFL debut.

“I was the travelling emergency the week before but you never know so I was just happy when (coach Ken Hinkley) told me.”

Growing up watching Port Adelaide, Frederick idolised skilful forward Daniel Motlop and slippery midfielder David Rodan.

Motlop called Frederick to tell him he would be making his AFL debut and Rodan presented Frederick with his guernsey before the game in a special touch in front of Frederick’s mother and partner.

Admitting to some nerves, Frederick received a big cheer as he took to the field and he said he settled “pretty quickly”.

“Once I got my first touch I calmed down a lot more,” he said.

“I just wanted to play the way we have been playing and the boys backed me up and got me into the play.

“Ken just said to play how I have been playing and to just take it on.

“He doesn’t tell us young boys to stop doing what we’re doing and he just lets us show what we’ve got.”

And despite his newfound AFL status, Frederick has not forgotten where he came from, even making contact before the game on Sunday with the staff throughout his NGA time who helped him along the way.

“All the work the staff have put into me since I was around 16 feels like it has paid off,” he said.

“I messaged most of them earlier to say a big thank you for all of the hard work they’ve put into me and all the support they’ve shown me.”

Frederick came into the side to replace another Port Adelaide NGA graduate Lachie Jones, who went out injured.

He will be hoping to hold his position when Port comes up against the Lions in Brisbane on Saturday night.