Ten days ago, teenager Ryan Maric was a Woolworths employee playing VFL on weekends.
On Saturday, he proved fairy tales do come true when he debuted for West Coast and kicked a goal with his first ever AFL disposal.
West Coast players came from all across the ground to get around Maric after his goal, just minutes into the clash against the Crows at Adelaide Oval.
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Fox Footy’s Dwayne Russell said Maric’s rapid rise to the Eagles’ senior ranks was an “amazing transformation”.
“The 18-year-old fairy tale story – Ryan Maric in game one, pick one Mid Season Draft 10 days ago.
“Had one game in the WAFL. Full forward and starved of opportunity in the loss.
“For his opening kick of AFL football – fairy tales do come true!”
AFL great Jason Dunstall said it was “incredible” to see Maric succeed so early after his dream draft lifeline.
“These are incredible scenes aren’t they? What a fairy tale it’s been. He wouldn’t believe himself right now,” he said.
“He’s a first gamer, only just come into the system.
“He’s on another youngster in (Adelaide’s) Josh Worrell.
“Probably a good match up for him to try and cut his teeth in this game.
“What a great kick – the composure he showed.
“The excitement – this is brilliant.”
Cameras captured Maric’s family and friends in the stands celebrating post-goal.
It’s been a remarkable rise into the AFL for Maric who dropped a whopping 24 kilograms to keep his footy dream alive.
He was drafted on May 31 and arrived in Perth the following day to meet his new teammates.
He was put straight into the WAFL and given West Coast’s injury crisis, was elevated into the starting side to travel to Adelaide.