Adelaide’s Max Michalanney had lined up in 50 games before kicking his first goal.
Standing some of the League’s best forwards makes sneaking into the Crows’ front half a tough task.
But when the moment finally arrived - during the third quarter of the Crows’ clash against GWS on Saturday - the 21-year-old made sure it would stick in his memory bank.
“Honestly, (I’ve watched it) probably four, five, six times, I could keep going,” Michalanney said.
“I played 50 games without one and the boys were giving me a fair bit of stick, so I was pretty rapt with it and pretty lucky it went through.
“I’ve been practising it over the past few weeks, thankfully that one came off the way it did.”
Michalanney’s first career goal came when he found himself inside Adelaide’s attacking 50, received a handball from Darcy Fogarty and banged the ball on his boot, sending it through the big sticks.
It didn't, however, distract the dashing defender from his number one task of quelling the influence of GWS Skipper Toby Greene.
Michalanney kept the spearhead goalless, while also collecting 14 disposals to receive five coaches’ votes after the Crows’ 18-point win.
“They’ve got stars across the ground, especially up-forward with Toby Greene… Jake Stringer, they had a few players who are stars in their own right,” Michalanney said.
“He’s a star, he’s an All-Australian Captain, he’s got heaps of tricks, and I’ve played on him a few times now, so I really appreciate the confidence the coaches have in me by getting me to match-up on him.
“It was probably one of our best defensive performances of the year, we’d conceded a fair few goals in the previous rounds, so to hold GWS to 34 was a good feather in our cap and something we are proud of.
“It’s going to be a good challenge every single week but in saying that we have good talent in the backline, ourselves. We’ve got Nick Murray, Mark Keane, Josh Worrell, all those boys who can take on those key forwards.”
The backman’s attention is now set to switch to Adelaide’s Anzac Day blockbuster against Fremantle in Perth this Friday.
Having been tasked with tagging once before in his career, when asked if he’d rather halt Dockers midfielder Andy Brayshaw or Vice Captain Caleb Serong, Michalanney took some time to answer.
“If I was to tag someone… They’re both tough players and both bring two different things, so I don’t know who would be harder to be honest, they’re both great players,” Michalanney said.
“But I might have to go with Sarong, he gets more of it, take me to the ball.”
Adelaide faces Fremantle at Optus Stadium, Perth, on Friday at 7.40pm (ACST).
The match will be broadcast live on Channel 7 Adelaide, Kayo and Fox Footy.
