A few reassuring words from Bomber skipper James Hird helped settle the first-game nerves of Andrew Welsh before he ran onto the MCG to take on Carlton last Friday night. Hird, still in Perth, rang the 18-year-old just prior to the game to wish him well in his debut performance. ""I found out just before the warm-up that I was starting on the ground so I was pretty nervous. Hirdy rang me on Doc Reid's phone to wish me all the best - it was fantastic to hear from him and I think that helped calm me down a little bit,"" Welsh said.

The former Calder Cannons captain started strongly taking a courageous defensive mark early in the first term. ""It was good to get that first touch to calm the nerves - after that I was alright. When I first lined up at half-back, I looked behind me to see Corey McKernan at full-forward and I thought imagine if I have to run back for a mark with him coming the other way - luckily that didn't happen.""

Welsh played the majority of the game on dangerous Carlton forward Ryan Houlihan. Welsh easily won the dual and collected 17-possessions in the process. In the early stages of the match Welsh was rebounding out of defence and combining well with Paul Salmon. It was a moment worth savouring for Essendon supporters - the one debutant and one veteran combining beautifully. ""I used to watch Salmon play as a kid so it was amazing to be playing with him. Everytime I did something he would run over and encourage you and pat you on the back. It really helped me on Friday night.""

Essendon supporters will see a lot more of number 41 in the future - almost certainly this week against the Saints. ""Sheeds didn't say too much after the game just well done. I will be definitely looking at the team list this week to find out if I am playing seniors,"" Welsh said.