The 21-year-old, taken at number 59 in the 2006 AFL draft, made an impressive start, collecting 14 possessions from the wing in Sydney’s 16-point loss.

About a dozen of Brabazon’s family and friends made the journey to Canberra to watch the rising star perform in freezing conditions.

After starring in the reserves throughout the season, Brabazon seemed relatively pleased with his league debut.

“Sydney are a tough side to break into so it was good to have a run,” Brabazon said.

“The intensity level lifts a fair bit and everything gets a bit quicker.”

The youngster said he was aiming to hold his spot in the powerful Swans outfit.

“You have to take your opportunities. My game time was limited coming off the bench but I was happy to get involved and get a few touches,” he said.

Brabazon admitted it had been frustrating at times waiting to make his AFL debut.

“I have mates at other clubs who have broken into league ranks quicker than me,” he said.

“But that’s just the situation I am in so you just have to keep working hard.

“This is a good footy club with a great culture so I am stoked to be a part of it.”

His rise to AFL ranks came after a successful stint with Claremont in the WAFL.

Playing as a midfielder, Brabazon capped off a stellar 2005, winning the Jack Clarke Medal after being recognised as the top player in the WAFL colts competition.

He also won the WAFL Colts Coaches Award and was named the starting ruck rover in the Team of the Year.

Brabazon led from start to finish, polling 46 votes to become the 14th Claremont player to win the award.

Brabazon’s AFL debut follows that of Albany’s Beau Wilkes who played his first game earlier this year for the West Coast Eagles.

Kojonup’s Alan Toovey, who was drafted at the same time as Brabazon, has played 14 games with Collingwood.

They join the likes of Michael Gardiner, Tarkyn Lockyer, Mark Williams, Brad Wira, Jeff Farmer and Peter Bell as Great Southern juniors drafted into the AFL.