Ethan Hughes to debut for the Fremantle Dockers

And, his former team-mates will be getting together to watch the game and cheer him on, when he lines up against the Power on Saturday.

Senior player David Newman, who was the captain of HBL when Hughes played for the club, said everyone at the club wished him all the best for his debut.

"Congratulations from all the HBL lads - all the boys are really proud," he said

"We'r very excited for him - it's an awesome opportunity and he deserves everything he's got."

Newman said Hughes was a very skillful player on both sides of his body and fantastic leap which was so good that the club used him as their leading ruckman for parts of the 2013 season. 

Although at just 187cm he's not likely to see any action in the ruck for the Dockers in the future but, he does have an exciting future at the club.

Hughes started off playing colts for HBL in 2012 and won the best on ground award as the Lions won the 2012 SWFL Colts Grand Final. Hughes also got a taste of senior football in 2012 before graduating a more full-time senior spot the following season.

In 2014 he moved up to Perth to play in the WAFL for Swan Districts alongside former Bunbury Bulldogs product Connor Blakely who was also drafted to the Dockers last year. Blakely was chosen with pick number 34 in the 2014 National Draft and Hughes with the 13th selection in the 2014 AFL Rookie Draft.

WATCH: Ethan Hughes talks to Docker TV after getting drafted

Hughes, Blakely and Tasmanian Brady Grey will all play their first game for the Dockers this weekend after the club decided to rest a number of their stars ahead of the AFL Finals Series. 

He told fremantlefc.com.au that he was looking forward to making the most of his chance.

“I’m just excited for the opportunity,” Hughes said.

“I gave my close family and friends a call to share the good news.”

Blakely said he was both relieved and proud to get a game with the Dockers and that coach Ross Lyon telling the new recruits what would be expected of them.

He’s (Lyon) made it clear to us we’re over there to do as well as we can and hopefully win the game,” Blakely said.

“He said to us mid-week, he’s going to be the same person game day, he expects the same effort from all of us.” 

“Even though there are three debutants it’s going to be important to play our role.”

Hughes is the second player to be drafted to the Dockers from HBL in recent years with Anthony Morabito playing 24 games for Fremantle since being picked up in the 2009 AFL National Draft.

What the coach says (Roger Hayden): Ethan has shown growth throughout the summer. Has put on 4kg and is really diligent in all that he does. Progressing well.

Your nickname: Hughsey or Hawkey

One word to describe you: Quiet

Favourite player to watch growing up: Gary Ablett Jnr

Who has had the most influence on your career: My brother as he got me into football

Toughest individual opponent: I haven’t come across one yet

Player most likely to fall asleep in a team meeting: Matt Taberner

Thriftiest player at your club: Sean Hurley

The next big thing at your club: Lachie Weller

The smartest thing you have been told: Football is football, doesn’t matter what level it is at, it’s still the same game

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be: On holidays

Do you have any strange phobias: I don’t like spiders

Your can’t-miss TV shows: Criminal Minds

Your favourite cartoon as a kid: Tom and Jerry

If you had to choose another career, what would it be: Something in the sporting industry

What do you normally eat for breakfast: Toast with jam

Your last meal would be: Lasagna

Your favourite holiday destination: Bali

In the movie of your life, you’d be played by: Jim Parsons

What are your three essential items: Phone, wallet and sunglasses

Most useless thing you have bought: Bintang singlet

Best subject at school: Sport

Which big ticket sporting event would you love to attend: NBA Game