The 17-year-old shone in the forward pocket, booting four goals and even spent some time on the ball, spelling Clint Burdett.

“It was a lot quicker than 16s and 18s,” he said.

“I settled in alright up front.”

Barrack said the experience had been a good one, without much time to get nervous.

“At the start it was pretty nerve-wracking,” he said. “But I didn’t have much time to be nervous after, it was just straight into it.”

The year 11 St Joseph’s student grew up in the rugby heartland of Newcastle, but it was hockey that first grabbed his attention before he moved to Mildura with his family.

Coach Andrew Petrie said Barrack had impressed during the pre-season and had continued to impress as he developed.

“He’s taken big steps this year,” Petrie said.

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Thursday’s Sunraysia Daily 09/04/2009.