Reuben William says the experience of lining up next to two-time Brownlow Medallist and premiership player Gary Ablett is one he won’t forget.
The 18-year-old made his senior debut in Saturday’s loss to the Gold Coast SUNS at Metricon Stadium.
“It was unreal, this bloke has won two Brownlow’s, two premierships – he’s one of the all-time greats and being able to line-up next to him was amazing,” William told ABC News 24 on Sunday.
“It’s one of the experiences I’ll never forget, I was a little bit star struck at times when I was next to him.”
An early inspiration for William was fellow Sudanese player Aliir Aliir, who also made his debut this season and gave William a call following news of his senior call-up.
William was the first player of Sudanese heritage to debut for the Lions and the third player behind Majak Daw and Aliir Aliir to make his AFL debut.
“He gave me a call that night. He just told me what to expect, to play your role and do right by your teammates. I really took that advice into the game.
“He’s obviously not the only one who has given me words of support, plenty of others have.
“I just appreciate that he took the time out, especially when he was playing the next day, to give me a call and spare a thought for me.”
Selected at pick No. 20 in last year’s Rookie Draft, the attacking half-back is a product of Brisbane’s successful Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy.
“It was obviously a life-long dream to play for the Club I supported and to do it in Multicultural Round was just a bonus.
“When Rog (Daniel Merrett) presented me the jumper it was a proud moment, it was just great to have my family and friends around me too.
“I can’t remember much from South Sudan but I still know it’s a special place for my family, for my mum.
“Saturday’s QClash actually marked the fifth birthday of South Sudan as a country, it was a special day and still is a special place to my family and my mum.”
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