The GIANTS’ 74^th player has a name; Harrison Himmelberg.

Having not missed a NEAFL game in 2016, the forward-turned-defender has shown he deserved the call up for Saturday’s clash against Brisbane with consistent performances.

“I’ve been working really closely with (development coach) Roger Moten in the NEAFL and Nick Walsh who’s the AFL Backline Coach,” Himmelberg said.

“It was a tough, long road but consistent footy was the main thing.”

The 20-year-old becomes the third player from the GIANTS 2015 draftees - behind Jacob Hopper and Matthew Kennedy - to debut.

Himmelberg said he’s grateful to get his opportunity albeit later than his fellow Academy graduates.

“I was really happy for those two boys, it was really exciting being around it all, but it was a little tedious waiting that long but it’s what happens.”

Taken at pick 16 in the NAB AFL draft, Himmelberg arrived as a key forward but soon found himself as one of the WSU GIANTS’ defensive six in the NEAFL.

“I played forward mostly last year and I played a few games in defence for 

Eastlake at NEAFL level as well,” he said.

“I had Ben Wade at Eastlake who taught me a lot last year which definitely helped coming into being thrown into the backline this year.”

Originally from Wagga Wagga, Himmelberg moved to Canberra in 2015 to play with Eastlake in the NEAFL, a decision he said has benefited his growth both on and off the field.

“Moving out of home and my parents moving up to Brisbane I sort of  had to defend for myself last year living and renting with others,” he said.

“It helped fast-track my maturity, when you get those life skills a year before getting into an AFL club it helps.”

His parent’s move North means there won’t be a mass migration of Himmelbergs to watch his AFL debut.

“I’ve got quite few family members up in the Gold Coast, I’m sure they’ll all be up there and some of my close mates will fly up,” Himmelberg said.

“It’s good that they (his parents) don’t have to travel I suppose, my brother’s got a broken leg at the moment so I’m sure he’ll be happy with that.”

The 194-centimeter GIANT appears calm ahead of his debut against the Lions, a sign of the maturity the Thor lookalike gathered during his year in Canberra.

“I’m taking it slow now and I’m not trying to get too hyped up…I’m just soaking it all up at the moment and enjoying it.”