Not many people have waited longer for the GWS GIANTS’ first game in the AFL than Jacob Townsend.

Townsend made his debut in Round One against the Sydney Swans, culminating a three-year journey with the club after Townsend was one of the GIANTS inaugural signings.

Townsend made the leap to the AFL after excelling with the AFL’s NSW/ACT Talented Player Program, Team GWS’s TAC Cup side, NSW/ACT Rams and AIS/AFL Academy.

Townsend said his GIANTS debut in front of a bumper crowd was a dream come true, and something he had dreamt about since a young age.

“It was a dream come true for me. Ever since I started playing AFL at the age of 12, I dreamt of it, and to finally have the chance to do it was amazing”.

“It was my first chance to play in front of a big crowd so it was a great experience and hopefully there are many more to come,” said Townsend.

“The Coaches said to go out there and not be overawed by it all, so I went out there and soaked it in. Once you get out there the big crowd disappears and you can just play footy.”

Townsend is fast becoming known for putting his body on the line in attacking the football, a skill he says he has had from a young age.

“I started playing Rugby Union when I was eight, and having played that sport you sort of have to do that, and I try and carry that over into my footy. But I don’t really think about it either, I just go in and do it, and try to get the footy.”

Townsend had some advice for young footballers hoping to achieve an AFL career as well.

“Always do the little things right at training, try and find a part of your game you can improve on, and always try to better yourself.”

Despite a bright start to his AFL career, Townsend is not getting carried away with any lofty ambitions.

“I hope to make a career in AFL and play as much as I can with the GIANTS, ” said Townsend.