WEST Coast's first-round draft pick Liam Duggan says starting in the WAFL and then playing his first three AFL games as the substitute has really helped him adjust to the pace of the AFL.
Duggan has made an impressive start to his AFL career after being recruited with pick No.11 in the 2014 NAB AFL draft.
The 18-year-old was held back in his first pre-season during to a couple of minor injury issues. He got a small taste in the NAB Challenge and had to work his way through the WAFL.
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But after three impressive outings for East Perth he debuted in round two against Carlton. The left-footer played three matches in a row as the starting sub before gathering 25 touches against Greater Western Sydney in his first full game in round five.
Duggan told AFL.com.au that the slow build has helped him.
"I think the first few games at WAFL level and even playing as a sub for my first three games has really helped me sort of get a taste for what it was like, especially for a full game at AFL level," Duggan said.
"The process that we took to get me to the AFL has been really good. I enjoyed playing at East Perth and obviously will enjoy playing there if I'm going back. But I think it was a nice process and lead-up and I got a good taste for it at each level."
Duggan won plenty of admirers for his hardness at the ball against Port Adelaide.
Teammate Andrew Gaff praised the youngster for his clash with Port's Angus Monfries at a critical stage in the last quarter that helped the Eagles get over the line.
Duggan said he is learning every day from the senior midfielders around him. The youngster said the day-in, day-out professionalism of Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis has been something he has admired. He also said Luke Shuey has been a good influence.
"I'm playing a similar role to him," Duggan said.
"He's sort of taken me under his wing a bit and shown me the way and he's really looking out for me out there which is nice as well."
Duggan said he loves life in Perth after moving from country Victoria.
"I'm really enjoying it," Duggan said.
"The weather is one thing that's improved. The club's been really welcoming and helped me settle in really well and I'm really enjoying my footy here.
"I'm getting used to it now. At the start, driving around I might have got lost a couple of times but I'm starting to get my way around now and know the good spots to go for lunch."
