ANGUS Anderson has made Coffs Coast sporting history after realising his footy dream.
The former Sawtell/Toormina Saints player made his AFL debut playing for the Collingwood Magpies, during their Gather Round game against the Fremantle Dockers at Adelaide Oval.
The 22-year-old made history as the first male player from both the AFL North Coast competition and Coffs Coast region to play in the AFL.
He took his place in the Magpies midfield alongside superstars Nick Daicos and Scott Pendlebury, where he had 16 disposals, six tackles, five marks, and a goal in an impressive debut.
His magic moment came in the third quarter, slotting home a set shot goal that had his Magpies teammates in raptures as they crowded around him to celebrate.
The Magpies lost by six points to the Dockers in a wet weather thriller that came right down to the wire.
The Herald Sun named Anderson one of the Magpies’ best players in their match report.
It’s been a story of perseverance on the way to Anderson making his debut.
The mature-age draftee was taken at pick 57 by the Magpies in last year’s AFL National Draft, after an outstanding season playing for Sturt in the South Australian National Football league (SANFL).
It was fitting for the player known as “Banger” to make his AFL debut at Adelaide Oval, as it was where he won the Jack Oatey Medal for best on ground in Sturt’s premiership win last year.
Before making his AFL debut, the inside midfielder had produced strong performances playing for the Magpies in the VFL, including earning the VFL Coach’s MVP in his side’s win against Coburg on Good Friday.
The Pies player had 30 disposals, 12 clearances, eight tackles, and a goal in his side’s 45-point win against Coburg.
He also had 21 disposals, six tackles, and a goal in Collingwood’s first game of the season against the GWS Giants.
The AFL debutant last played in the AFL North Coast competition in 2021, and was runner-up for the best and fairest in 2020 as a 17-year-old.
By Aiden BURGESS
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