Energetic GIANTS draftee Toby McMullin will make his AFL debut in Sunday’s match against the Power at Adelaide Oval.
McMullin, selected at pick 34 in last year’s NAB AFL Draft, enters Adam Kingsley’s side after a string of impressive VFL performances as both a pressure forward and as a midfielder.
A powerful 183cm athlete, McMullin recorded the second fastest 20m sprint (2.88sec) at last year’s National Draft Combine while also finishing inside the top 10 for both the agility test and the running vertical jump.
The 19-year-old, who becomes the GIANTS’ fifth debutant this season, was a key contributor for last year’s NAB League premier Sandringham Dragons and is seen as a like-for-like replacement for suspended small forward duo Toby Bedford and Brett Daniels.
Affectionately known as ‘Muff’ at the club, McMullin was on cloud nine after being informed of his debut selection by skipper Toby Greene at GIANTS’ training on Friday.
“It's a real sense of excitement and a bit of relief as well,” he said.
“With ‘Snooze’ [Toby Bedford] and ‘Binga’ [Brent Daniels] out I knew there were spots opening up but there’s no guarantees in football so I still just had to go about a normal week and let it unfold.
“But I’m over the moon and that excited to get out there.”
The selection news adds to an already exciting week for the Victorian teenager who signed a two-year contract extension earlier this week to remain at the club until at least the end of the 2026 season.
Hailing from Melbourne but playing club football for Port Fairy in south-western Victoria, McMullin’s name may sound familiar to some football fanatics, with his dad Ian playing for both Essendon and Collingwood in the 1980s and 1990s before spending time on Collingwood's board from 1998 to 2018.
The former Melbourne Grammar student was quick to thank his parents following Friday’s announcement.
“They’ve sacrificed so much to get me in the position I’m in and I’m extremely grateful for everything they’ve done,” he said.
“I love them to death, and I really appreciate everything they’ve done for me.”
Debuting against the Power in a crucial clash for the GIANTS’ finals aspirations, McMullin said his focus was on playing his role to the best of his ability.
“I’ll try and bring my defensive pressure as much as I can,” he said.
“Then on offense, use my power and speed and hopefully hit a few targets is the aim.”
“There’s obviously a fair build up but I’m so excited to get out there.”
McMullin and his GIANT teammates will face the Power at Adelaide Oval on Sunday at 4:10pm CST/4:40pm EST.
