Essendon's Anzac Day debutant Ben McNiece said it took him some time to get used to the roar from the MCG stands on his AFL debut.
That's understandable when you consider the 87,000-strong crowd was a touch bigger than the VFL turnouts he's used to.
"The next closest would have been around 5,000 people I reckon," McNiece told AAP .
On Tuesday, McNiece became the first Essendon player to debut for the club on Anzac Day since Kevin Sheedy blooded future 200-gamer Dean Solomon in 1999.
McNiece didn't disappoint.
The 25-year-old gathered 11 disposals, including seven contested touches, and three rebound-50s in the Bombers' 18-point win.
He also enjoyed the adoration of the Essendon crowd for one terrific pressure act in the fourth quarter.
As the Magpies desperately looked for a route back into the match with eight minutes remaining, McNiece produced a superman-esque dive through the air to spoil a Jamie Elliot marking opportunity.
Bombers fans loved it and let him know about it.
"To hear the crowd roar when you're done a one percenter like that, it's great," he said.
"It' really shows the support we've got at the club.
"The noise played on my mind early. But when you accept it and embrace it, it's just like any other football game. There's the same amount of air in the ball."
McNiece, who rose to become Essendon reserves vice-captain before being picked up as a rookie, said he could get used to the AFL caper.
"The feeling is addictive," he said.
"Celebrations will be a quiet dinner with a few friends. I'll leave the beers for later on.
"'I'll put my head down, try to recover well and put my hand up again."
Share
