Northampton’s Brynn Teakle set to make his AFL debut for Port Adelaide against the Sydney Swans this weekend

Northampton’s Brynn Teakle will make his debut for Port Adelaide against the Sydney Swans this Saturday, becoming the 10th AFL player from the storied town. The 203cm ruckman joins Harry Taylor, Tarkyn and Andrew Lockyer, Josh Kennedy, Jamie and Patrick Cripps, Daniel Chick, Paul Hasleby, and Liam Anthony as AFL players from the farming community just north of Geraldton. The town, which has a population of 813, continues to punch above its weight when it comes to producing AFL talent. It completes a stunning rise after Teakle, who had impressed for East Fremantle this season, was chosen at pick eight in the midseason draft just a fortnight ago. Teakle won his battle for the ruck position with Sam Hayes following a strong showing in the SANFL last weekend, as Scott Lycett battles a long-term injury. His father Nathan Teakle said the past few weeks had been a complete whirlwind. “(General manager) Chris Davies gave me a call Thursday morning and handed the phone to Brynn and he asked me my plans for the weekend and if I wanted to come to Adelaide,’ he said. “I was absolutely over the moon he had a good debut last week in the SANFL but I never thought it would happen so soon. “We’re organising to leave Friday, my other son and daughter will be there plus a lot of family friends so he will have a good contingent of support,” he said. Port coach Ken Hinkley said Teakle’s meteoric rise was a great football story. “In my time in football I have never seen anyone get their first game within 14 days,” he said. “It’s one of the great stories of the midseason draft. “He has a great energy and will be exciting for us.” East Fremantle coach Bill Monaghan said he believed Teakle could match it with the best over the long term. “He’s athletic in the air and ground and has terrific foot skills, I think he will be able to hold his own,” he said. “We’re absolutely rapt for him, he’s a ripper kid who’s worked really hard to get to this position. “It was tough to lose him to the midseason draft but the fact he gets an opportunity and not just be stuck in the SANFL makes it an easier pill to swallow.” Mr Teakle said he had a couple words of advice for his son. “I told him to just keep the same pre-game routine and try to keep a lid on the excitement,” he said. “Until the siren goes I’ll be nervous but I’m going in with no expectation so I can try and enjoy the game.” Cousin Julia Teakle was signed for the AFLW Port Adelaide team last week in a dream couple of weeks for the Teakle family. It’s an important game for Port Adelaide with the club currently sitting in 12th needing a win to try and stay in touch with the top eight. Bounce down will be at 11.45am at Adelaide Oval.