Tom Boyd admits to some jealousy watching Joshua Kelly's progress at the GIANTS, but the young key forward will get his chance to shine on Sunday.
Boyd will make his AFL debut against the Crows in Adelaide this weekend, giving fans the chance to see last year's No.1 NAB AFL Draft pick strut his stuff for the first time.
The 18-year-old has been building his form and fitness in the reserves while No.2 pick Kelly has made three senior appearances and already snared himself a Rising Star nomination.
"I'm really happy for him," Boyd told reporters on Thursday.
"He's one of my great mates and he's a great kid and very well liked and respected around this place.
"I've been super excited for him and still a bit jealous. I think everyone playing in the NEAFL wants to be playing in the AFL.
"But the overwhelming feeling is just excitement for him and to see how he played in his first couple of games gave me a lot of confidence."
Shane Mumford's knee injury has opened the door for Boyd, who has an imposing 200cm, 104kg frame and will help Jonathan Giles in the ruck as well as play forward.
Boyd also showed his progress by kicking three goals and performing well in the ruck in the reserves' big win over Belconnen in Canberra.
"I'm stoked and just really relieved," Boyd said. "I've dreamed of it all my life, as long as I can remember, and I really want to enjoy the week.
"But it's not about me, it's about the team and we're going over there to win a game of footy."
Expectations can naturally be very high for top draft picks, something former No.1s Jack Watts, Josh Fraser, Travis Johnstone and Clive Waterhouse struggled at times to live up to.
But GWS coach Leon Cameron only has modest expectations for one of his prized young assets.
Boyd joins Tom Scully, Jon Patton and Lachie Whitfield as No.1 picks at the club.
"For an 18-year-old kid, he's got really good leadership and we like that in him," Cameron said.
"We obviously know that he can take some very, very strong contested marks, that's probably his number one trait, but you'll see his second and third efforts around the ground and his ability to play defence.
"His ability to go in the ruck is also a great asset to have.
"All I want is for Tom to compete, play his role as a key position forward and in the ruck.
"Anything on top of that is a bonus.
"I understand there's a lot of pressure on high draft picks to perform first up, but it's a tough, brutal game.
"All we want him to do is go out there, have some fun and enjoy his footy.
"I'm sure if he does that, the natural talent and work rate will take care of the rest."
Boyd is confident he can co-exist with Patton and Jeremy Cameron in the GWS forward line and feels he is nearing his best form.
"I missed a lot of footy last year with my ankle injury, so the main thing for me was to get out on the track every week and play some consistent footy," he said.
"I felt like I did that throughout the six games I've played this year and feel like I've been getting my touch back and my agility, which you can lose a bit when you have a severe lower leg injury.
"I'm just about back to my best and hopefully have an impact on Sunday."
