Rookie draftee Lachie McNeil did his chances of a round one debut no harm with an impressive performance against Hawthorn on Wednesday afternoon.

The 19-year-old joined the Western Bulldogs with pick 11 in last year’s rookie draft and was one of three new faces in the senior scratch match, alongside off-season recruit Stefan Martin and recently-signed VFL product Anthony Scott.

McNeil, a SANFL premiership player with Woodville-West Torrens last season, has fitted in seamlessly over the pre-season and pipped a number of more experienced players for selection in the scratch match.

While he admits there were some first-game nerves, his maiden outing in red, white and blue was undoubtedly a positive one.

“I was probably a bit nervy at the start, a bit to adjust to but I really enjoyed it, it was pretty special,” McNeil said.

He spent time on the wing and pushing forward, working in partnership with the likes of Lachie Hunter and Lin Jong.

“Whenever ‘Jongy’ and ‘Hunts’ were on together I went forward, so I floated around a little bit and kicked a goal which was nice,” McNeil said.

“They’ve been huge, coming in learning new structures and everything.

“They’ve been great for me, a lot of encouragement and structural advice which has been great.”