Nick Hind has seen it all in his journey to the AFL.
From frozen days in the Ballarat Football League, to an overnight dash to Shanghai, it seems only fitting that Townsville will be the backdrop for a long-awaited debut.
The 24-year-old was given the news from coach Alan Richardson today, one of several inclusions to take on the Gold Coast Suns.
Hind’s rise to the AFL ranks began in his home-town of Clunes, where a skinny kid with electric pace cut swaths through the underage-ranks.
Senior football with East Point in the Ballarat Football League and back at Clunes followed before a stint with Essendon’s VFL team.
It was there, competing against AFL-listed players week-in-week-out, that his belief grew, and his ability to take the game on eventually caught the eye of the Saints.
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Hind was plucked with pick 54 in the 2018 AFL Draft as one of four mature age recruits selected by the Saints.
Despite a summer of promise and two JLT games of note, Hind has been made to earn his debut in red, white and black.
A 41-disposal haul against Box Hill in Round 4 thrust him to the selection mix, where he has remained with consistent VFL form.
Playing off half back, Hind has averaged 24 disposals for the Zebras and continually broken teams open with his raw speed.
The 24-year-old has been an emergency for the AFL side seven times, culminating in a last-minute call up to the squad in China.
Hind was shopping with his partner on a quiet Saturday afternoon before a call from Shanghai sent him scrambling to pack his bags.
“It was a little surreal but once Benny (Paton) picked me up to drive to the airport, we started to wrap our heads around it.”
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“I’d never flown business class before, so that was an experience in itself.
“It obviously wasn’t the result we wanted but it was good to get over there and support the boys.”
Hind said the message from Richardson was clear.
“I know when I’m playing at my best I’m backing myself and taking the game on.
“I just have to play my role and do all the little things to support my teammates.”
