FOR ST KILDA youngster Jimmy Webster, making his debut on Monday night was about more than taking a significant step in his football career – it was about putting a smile on his family members' faces after a devastating week.
As the Saints ran out for their Friday night clash against Collingwood in round six, Webster, who was on standby as an emergency, was told that his family's home in Tasmania had burnt down.
The 19-year-old returned last week to Mangalore, a small country town 32km north of Hobart, to help his family clean up the devastation, but he was back in Melbourne mid-week to press his claims for selection against Carlton.
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His family was at Etihad Stadium on Monday night to watch the tough half-back debut, coming on late in the third quarter as the substitute and holding his own in a frantic final term.
"It was unreal. It's good to get the family over and get their minds off things," Webster told AFL.com.au.
"I was obviously nervous throughout the day and it was a long wait, but I came on as sub and took my opportunity with both hands.
"I got a little bit nervous but just tried to keep my cool. I just wanted to lock down on my player and not let him get goal-side."
Webster replaced injured teammate Nathan Wright and was sent to dangerous Carlton forward Jeff Garlett, who kicked one goal from five possessions in the final quarter.
Webster, meanwhile, finished with nine possessions and two marks, keeping his cool as the Blues rallied to go inside 50 on 11 consecutive occasions.
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"He came on, right into the heat of battle and showed some real composure; almost too much composure at times but that's the way he plays," coach Scott Watters said.
"He's a very steady, very composed kid.
"One of the things we're really proud of as a club is the quality and the character of some of the kids that are coming through.
"They're just very resilient tough kids that our supporters are going to love watching for a number of years.
"Jimmy fits right into that bracket."
Webster's workload has been monitored carefully in his second season after shin splints restricted him to three VFL games late last year.
This year he completed close to a full pre-season and Watters said his ability to build fitness and make his debut was a credit to the club's fitness staff.
"What they had to get him through last year to get him to the point where he's now selected for his first game, our medical staff have been outstanding," the coach said.
"To get another debutant our there is great for us."
