Adelaide will open its 2024 AFL Premiership Season against the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday. To commemorate the game, we looked back at James Borlase's debut against the Suns in 2023.

In Round 21, 2023 Adelaide defender James Borlase laced up the boots and ran onto Adelaide Oval for his first game of AFL footy against Gold Coast.

In the lead up to the match, Adelaide had suffered multiple injuries to its defensive stocks and the 21-year-old was thrust straight into the key defensive post, tasked with nullifying Levi Casboult and Jack Lukosius.

Borlase had an immediate impact, with a strong opening term, in which he collected eight disposals and three marks, while being part of a back six that did not allow any majors scored against them.

The third-year player continued to impress on debut, showcasing his ability to remain composed under pressure and find the right option when he had ball in hand.

Borlase ended the game with 18 disposals at 100 per cent efficiency, to go along with nine marks, eight intercept possessions and four tackles.

Making his debut even more memorable was the chance to sing the song after the game with his teammates alongside the customary Gatorade shower, after the Crows got over the top of the Suns by 28 points.

Borlase’s performance caught the eyes of the coaches and the defender featured in the Round 21 Coaches Votes for his strong debut outing.

Looking back on the week, Borlase described the nerves and excitement that come with playing your first AFL game.

"I was driving home from the Club on the Monday and had a call come in from Nicksy (Matthew Nicks),” Borlase said.

“Team doesn’t get announced until Thursday, so I had no idea what it was about.

“To get that call, to be told you’re going to play AFL, it’s a dream I had since I was a little kid.”

Off the back of his strong debut performance, Borlase praised his teammates for bringing him into the game.

“A few early touches fell in my lap,” he said.

“Once I got going, I got more and more confident with my ball use.

“Playing with guys like Mitch Hinge, Brodie Smith, Wayne Milera, just to name a few, really made me feel at home down back.”

Adelaide will face Gold Coast this Saturday at 7.40pm ACDT.