The Great Debut

James Podsiadly v Fremantle at Kardinia Park, round three, 2010

Stats overview: 17 disposals, 11 marks (six contested) and kicked 2.2

Bursting onto the AFL scene at the ripe old age of 28, the VFL journeyman made up for lost time with an imposing display. Sharing a forward line with Tom Hawkins and Steve Johnson, Podsiadly kicked his second in the dying stages to put the Cats ahead before the Dockers stole victory through Paul Duffield.

Career from here? Forty-one matches later he was a premiership player, going on to play his fifth and final season at Adelaide in 2014 to finish with 104 games and 195 goals. 

The False Start

Matthew Scarlett v Essendon at MCG, round 22, 1998

Stats overview: Six disposals, two marks and one tackle, conceding six goals against Matthew Lloyd

Described by Lloyd as "raw and as skinny as a toothpick", Scarlett was thrown in the deep end against the rampaging full-forward. The 19-year-old father-son had spent his first year in the reserves and was called upon for the final match of the season. Trailing all match, the Cats eventually scraped home by 10 points as Paul Lynch kicked five majors.

Career from here? Triple premiership player, six-time All Australian and Australian Football Hall of Fame Member. Enough said.