The Sydney Swans will blood their fifth debutant of the season when young speedster James Bell runs out against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The 20-year-old QBE Sydney Swans Academy graduate signed with the club as a rookie in November 2017 and has since become an instrumental member of the Swans’ NEAFL outfit.
Bell’s AFL call-up is reward for glowing NEAFL form, with the New South Welshman averaging 20.8 disposals per match this season.
Bell credits his breakthrough to a daily desire to better himself.
“I put it down to the want to be competitive,” Bell told SwansTV.
“I’ve always really wanted to learn. Every day I come in and work hard and train the way I play.
“My game has come a long way since being drafted to the Swans. I like to look to players who play similar footy, take a leaf out of their book and show a thing or two of my natural game as well.
“I haven’t had time to think about making my debut too much just yet, but when ‘Horse’ (coach John Longmire) gave me the news I felt numb. It was pretty surreal and I was absolutely stoked.”
Nick Blakey, Justin McInerney, James Rowbottom and Hayden McLean have all made their AFL debuts this season.
