After arriving at West Lakes during last year’s trade period, small forward Tyson Stengle has been forced to bide his time in the SANFL.

The 20-year-old believed he was close to a senior berth earlier in the season but was made to truly earn his call-up, booting 26 goals in 12 State League games to finally be rewarded with selection in Adelaide’s Round 17 team to face the Gold Coast Suns.

To make his Club debut even more special, Stengle was presented with his maiden Crows guernsey by Eddie Betts, who is not only his cousin and housemate, but his football idol.

“It was a pretty special moment for me. When Eddie first moved to Adelaide, I idolised him,” Stengle told AFC Media post-game.

“Back in the days I went to a Carlton game one time and waited for him, (Chris) Yarran, outside the change rooms and got a photo with them.

“(Being) with him today, playing today, is really cool.

“He’s taught me a lot, on and off the field … where to run and stuff, leading patterns, being mature and professional.”

At the seven-minute mark of the second quarter of Adelaide’s 95-point win over the Suns, Stengle slotted the first of his three goals.

He won’t kick many easier, after finding himself standing all alone in the goal square.

Co-captain Rory Sloane, who had just received a 50-metre penalty, feigned lining up for goal from 20 metres out before handballing over the man on the mark to set up Stengle’s maiden goal for the Club. 

“Sloaney got the 50 and the bloke who was on me went and manned the mark,” he said.

He didn’t tell anyone to come on me, I was just standing on the goal line looking at Sloaney.

“Sloaney just faked the run up, handpassed it over the top and a pretty easy goal to be honest. 

“It was good, get the nerves out of the system and play on from there.

"Loved it out there tonight. It was great."