GIANTS' top draft pick Lachie Ash has no doubt he's ready to debut in next week's season opener against Geelong at GIANTS Stadium.
Ash, taken with selection No.4 by the GINATS at last year's NAB AFL draft, played both of his club's Marsh Community Series matches across half back and it's not hard to see why the teenager is confident he belongs at the highest level.
After gathering 19 disposals in the GIANTS' massive win over Sydney in week one, he followed it up with 16 possessions against premiers Richmond last week.
The dashing defender's willingness to take the game on and carry the footy was a hallmark of his impressive performances, especially against an almost full-strength Tigers outfit in Wagga.
Ash told AFL.com.au he's hoping coach Leon Cameron will have some good news for him in the lead-up to the clash the Cats, the team he grew up supporting.
"To run out against someone like Gary Ablett would be a bit weird, but it would obviously be a dream come true," he said.
"I didn't feel out of place during the Marsh Series or think 'far out what am I doing here?'.
"I think I fitted in well and hopefully the coaches show faith in me and give me a game.
"Leon told me it was a really good opportunity to go out and showcase what I've got and there's no reason I can’t play in the first few rounds and go from there.
"Who knows what will happen, you might get a lick of the lollipop one week and miss out the next.
"I thought I had a couple of OK games so I'm eyeing off a round one spot, but obviously coming to a pretty good team, spots are tight and we all know that."
Ash said he'll be keeping his phone close just in case Cameron and the GIANTS' coaches decide to hand the highly-rated draftee his first game, but he's not letting the issue affect his preparation.
"Hopefully he gives me a call in the next couple of days but that’s not going to happen," he said with a laugh.
"He told me I'm in the mix so that’s always positive to hear.
"If you stew over whether you're playing or not, you'll cook yourself, so I've just got to let that take care of itself.
"If it is to be round one, its round one, if its round 10, its round 10.
"I'd love to play round one don't get me wrong, but if I have to wait a few weeks it's not the end of the world."
He looked comfortable playing alongside veterans Heath Shaw and Phil Davis, his childhood hero Lachie Whitfield, and the rest of the GIANTS backline, that has been resolute for the team over the past few seasons.
Ash said to have so much experience around him, especially against last year's premiers, helped him adjust to the intensity of the AFL.
"I've never played against that manic pressure before and you hear commentators talk about it and think 'yeah righto whatever', but when you're out there it's a completely different ballgame," he said.
"The guys helped me a lot with their talk on the field which was great."
