From Auskicker To AFL DebutWednesday, April 30, 2025 - 8:52 AM

Perseverance and patience have paid off for WA’s Jedd Busslinger who made his AFL debut for the Western Bulldogs at the weekend.

The 21 year-old picked up 12 disposals in the Bulldogs stunning victory over GWS, completing a fairytale first appearance for the young West Australian.

Busslinger was taken with the Bulldogs first selection in the 2022 NAB AFL Draft but it has taken him until 2025 to get his well-deserved opportunity.

Jedd’s football journey growing up included being named the NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year in 2012 which presented a boyhood dream.

“Marching in the AFL Grand Final parade the day before the game was really cool,” Busslinger told NAB News in 2023.

“We also got to play at halftime on the MCG on Grand Final day in front of 100,000 screaming Sydney Swans and Hawthorn supporters

“The experience was something that I’ll never forget.

“After the game we were fortunate enough to present the medal to the winning players.

“Sydney had just won by a couple of points, and I was fortunate to present my medal to Adam Goodes, who’s obviously a champion of the game.

“He said thank you and gave me a pat on the back and a hat, I was very lucky to be able to present my medal to a person like him!

“It was something that not many people get to do, and something that I’ll treasure forever.”

Busslinger was one of thousands of kids who have grown up playing Auskick.

Boys and girls aged between 5 and 12 can learn the game, have fun and importantly making new friends.

“Growing up as a kid, Auskick was a place where I could meet lots of new people,” he said.

“Some of my close mates all played footy, and that’s how I got to know them.”

“Anyone can play and it’s such an inclusive environment.”

“Footy was something that I always wanted to be part of growing up, and then to win the NAB AFL Auskicker of the Year competition drove that motivation for me to realise what it was like to be an AFL player.”

Part of Jedd’s Auskicker of the Year prize was to receive mentoring from Geelong’s captain and NAB Ambassador, Joel Selwood.

“Joel’s been really good for me, I can message him whenever I want, and he’ll flick me a message when he knows I’m playing in a big game,” he said.

While living out his footy dream, the West Australian has fond memories of his time as an Auskicker.

“I’m extremely grateful that my parents signed me up when I was four years old,” Busslinger said.

“For anyone thinking about starting Auskick or applying for the competition, it’s a must do.”

To register to join Auskick head to : https://play.afl/auskick