Over the years, we have had stand-out debuts but have also seen some very poor first games.

Some of the all-time greats have had horrid debuts, such as the likes of Jonathan Brown, Nick Riewoldt and Sam Mitchell.

While others have had impressive to unbelievable debuts, like Riley Thilthorpe's 16 disposals and five goals in Round 6, 2021.

John Coleman famously kicked 12 goals in his first game as well.

North Melbourne small forward Harry Sheezel collected 34 disposals in his maiden match to open the season in 2023, with the teenager finding plenty of the ball in a role down back under new coach Alastair Clarkson.

In this list we take a look at 10 of the best debut games since the year 2000.

Some honourable mentions from prior to 2000 include:

David Marshall (Adelaide, 1991)

29 disposals (22 kicks), seven marks and two goals

Dean Greig (St Kilda, 1991)

39 disposals, most ever on debut.

Daniel Metropolis (West Coast, 1992)

Six goals, including four from his first four kicks.

Adrian McAdam (North Melbourne, 1993)

Seven goals and two behinds from 10 kicks on debut, left Wayne Carey to play second fiddle. Interesting to note, he followed this with 10 goals and six behinds the following week and seven goals the week after.

Scott Cummings (Essendon, 1994)

Eight goals from 10 kicks. Only three players have ever kicked more on debut.

Chris Judd (West Coast, 2002)

It has become football folklore, the beginning of Chris Judd's AFL career.

The No.3 pick in the 2001 Draft was overlooked by coach John Worsfold for round one, and Judd responded by absolutely torching West Perth in the WAFL, with 15 disposals and four goals.

Worsfold learned from his mistake, and the Sandringham Dragon never played in the WAFL again.

As for his AFL debut, it too was pretty handy.

At the home of football, the MCG, against a powerhouse club in Collingwood, the midfielder's dash caught the eye of the football world. And they never took their eye off him again.

He finished with 19 disposals, 12 contested possessions, six inside 50s, five clearances and a goal.

Everyone knows how the career of the 2021 Hall of Famer would pan out at both the Eagles and Carlton.

8. Toby Greene & Jacob Hopper (GWS, 2012 & 2016)

The heart and soul of GWS made his debut when the club also played its very first game.
Toby Greene had an outstanding debut, racking up 27 disposals, five tackles and five clearances.
Despite the momentous occasion and playing against a veteran midfield in eventual premiers Sydney, Greene shined.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 23: Heath Shaw of the Giants embraces team mate Toby Greene of the Giants after winning the round eight AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Adelaide Crows at Spotless Stadium on May 23, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Jacob Hopper, made his debut in 2016 in a 91-point thrashing of the Suns.
It came much later than expected due to a pool accident at home, but it was worth it.
The pick No.7 showed why he was a top 10 pick with an outstanding 32 disposals, nine clearances and seven inside 50s.
Of the two, Greene has had a much more notable career with Hopper's impacted with injuries and illness. Both are important parts of the GWS team.
Both debuts hold equal weight for the Giants with Hopper's stats suggesting his was a better debut, however, given the opposition and circumstances, Greene's is very impressive.