VFL debut a hit but Marcus Herbert to miss AFL Young Guns game

Herbert, 18, looked assured in Geelong's 17.15 (117) to 11.6 (72) win against Northern Bullants at Marvel Stadium, collecting 14 disposals and kicking a long-range goal.

The South Warrnambool export would've embraced the chance to play for Vic Country in the under 23 match at Werribee but the short turnaround denied him a chance.

Fellow Hampden league prospect Isaac Wareham, who is also on Geelong's VFL list, will play in the young guns match.

Herbert, who was given midfield minutes for the Cats in a game which was broadcast live on Fox Footy, said he felt comfortable at the level.

"It was good fun. It was a great ground to play on, nice and wide and the boys were pretty welcoming," he said.

"I was really happy (to play in the middle) as I feel that's probably the strongest part of my game."

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Kicking a goal on debut capped off a special night for Herbert.

"It was unreal. I turned straight around (towards the goal posts). I thought I had someone chasing me but then the boys said 'keep going' so I took it," he said.

It was a bittersweet night for Herbert with older brother Liam injured in the opening minutes and facing a stint on the sidelines.

"He got a bit of a head clash at about the 10-minute mark," he said.

"It was mostly precautionary so they put him in the neck brace. He got scans about two o'clock last night.

"He's got a bit of concussion and neck spasms."

Herbert said Wareham deserved his chance in the AFL Young Guns game.

"He can outrun most people; it's pretty hard to keep up with him," he said.

"He'll go well I think."

The GWV Rebels-listed teenager would've enjoyed playing in the AFL Young Guns game if the scheduling had suited.

"I was supposed to be playing but they were saying VFL takes priority," he said.

Herbert, who travels regularly from Warrnambool to Ballarat (NAB League) and Geelong (VFL) for training, will instead have a rare chance to relax this weekend, "watch some footy and catch up with a few mates".

"I am on the road probably every day. Fuel money is getting a bit steep at the moment," he laughed, referencing his busy schedule.

Koroit premiership player James Gow also featured for Geelong at Marvel Stadium, gathering nine disposals against Northern Bullants.

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