You could argue not many players have deserved an AFL game more than Will Sierakowski.  By his own count, the 22-year-old estimates he’s been listed as an AFL emergency about 20 times, including his time at Hawthorn.  Finally, his moment has come and ‘Sierra’ will pull on a North jumper and run out with the Roos on Saturday in Hobart.

“When you’ve been at footy clubs for four years and haven’t played a game you start to wonder if it will ever happen,” he told NMFC.com.au.

“A bit of doubt has crossed my mind once or twice.”

Sierakowski is used to being named in squads of 25 and is more than familiar with the bitter disappointment of missing the final 22.

“On the day the team’s announced, you’re more frustrated than anything.  I kept telling myself, ‘Don’t worry…if it’s not this week, it might be next week’.  But after a while I had to just forget about it and focus on playing in the VFL consistently, otherwise it does your head in.”

Originally picked up by Hawthorn as part of the NSW Scholarship Program, the left-footer was traded to North for pick 58 in the 2011 National Draft.  It’s been a long journey, but he wouldn’t have had it any other way.

“It’s been well worth the effort and it’s more than just a childhood dream for me to be able to debut.  I’ve put in a lot of work, so it’s all worth it for sure.”

Breaking into the side is one thing, but the number 28 knows staying there is his next challenge.

“Once you get your spot, you have to do whatever it takes to keep it.  Once you’re in, you definitely don’t want to go straight back out.  For me, that means playing to my strengths and using my kicking and run to make us a better side.  That’s what will be expected of me I’m sure.”

The thought of playing the Power, or any team for that matter, doesn’t daunt the half-back.  After all, he’s had plenty of time to come to terms with the prospect of competing against the best.

“I don’t think I’ll have too much trouble with the nerves.  They shouldn’t be a problem because I’ll have my team mates out there the whole time.

“I’ve just got to be aware of what I’m getting myself into and be mentally ready for the change in intensity from VFL and the speed of the game.”