‘One of the moments of the season’: Epic scenes in 26 year old Pie’s debut as family ‘went absolutely nutso’

AFL debuts don’t get much better than Lachie Sullivan’s.

Playing in front of nearly 90,000 fans at the MCG in a Collingwood-Carlton blockbuster – a night some Nick Daicos magic in the last minute sealed a famous Magpies win – Sullivan nailed a goal with his first AFL kick.

Coming on as the sub earlier than expected in the second quarter for the concussed Beau McCreery, the mature-aged recruit made his first disposal count in a special moment that ignited Craig McRae’s side.

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The 26-year old received a handball from Harvey Harrison and snapped truly around his body as he was swarmed by teammates far and wide. It made for epic scenes, with Sullivan’s family including his parents celebrating with great enthusiasm and emotion in the stands.

Sullivan waited longer than most to play his first AFL game including getting overlooked in no less than eight drafts, biding his time in the VFL for Footscray before getting signed by Collingwood through the pre-season supplemental selection period.

You sense it was worth the wait on Friday night.

“This will be one of the moments of season 2024. The 26-year old had to wait and wait and wait to get his opportunity,” Demons legend Garry Lyon said on Fox Footy watching back Sullivan’s first goal.

“He came on as the sub and his family went boonta up in the stands, absolutely nutso. It was a great moment, we almost got emotional up here. The whole football club got involved.”

Reflecting on his debut to Fox Footy post-match, Sullivan said he felt “incredible,” describing his first goal as an “unbelievable” moment that “happened so quickly”.

“You never think your debut is going to pan out like that,” he began.

“I had no idea when I’d get on, because I was starting as the sub.

“For it to happen to like – a winning goal in the last minute – incredible.”

Sullivan conceded it was a “different” build up to the match because “there’s not many night games in the VFL”.

“I was trying to just relax, not think about it too much and enjoy every moment. Try not to overthink it, then when I got here, soak it all up and see what happens,” he added.

“It turned out to be a pretty good night.”

Collingwood’s six-point win over Carlton marked yet another close victory for the AFL’s kings of the clutch as they held their nerve in the fourth quarter to oust their arch rivals.

Sullivan credited Scott Pendlebury’s “genius” leadership in the fourth term, saying “his voice is incredible,” also lauding the influence Patrick Lipinsi and Nick Daicos.

The impact of Sullivan’s first goal shouldn’t be underestimated either, sparking life into the Pies and kickstarting a run of four-straight goals to help give it a narrow lead at half-time.

Magpies legend Nathan Buckley described it as a “Collingwood moment” that “lifted the energy” of his former club.

Pendlebury meanwhile paid tribute to his newest teammate.

“It’s great when a guy like that – who’s worked so hard gets his chance – comes on and kicks a goal,” the 36-year old told Fox Footy.

“I saw everyone – no matter what position you’re in – it’s one of those guys you have to get around because he’s been working so hard and everyone was so happy for him.

“It certainly felt like our love and passion for each other really grew in that moment.”