Melbourne Victory defender Benjamin Carrigan said his senior debut against Daegu in the AFC Champions League felt “like a movie”.
Carrigan, 20, made his first senior appearance during Victory’s 4-0 defeat on Wednesday, starting in a three-man central defence.
Jack Palazzolo, 19, started his first Victory game, while Aaron Anderson, 18, came off the bench in the closing stages for his debut.
Carrigan, Victory’s NPL captain, reflected on his debut after the game.
“Beats NPL and NYL (Foxtel Y-League) definitely. It felt like a movie honestly,” he said.
“When I walked out and obviously I was right behind Jack as I walked out and I saw Palazzolo on his back and all the fans going crazy and the lights, big adrenaline rush.”
Carrigan added: “I’d say it was a good mixture before it of some nerves and excitement.
“It feels different when you walk out to a full stadium and you know you’re on the telly.
“Feel like I gave my best, disappointed about the result and like to think I could’ve done a bit better with some of the goals, but look, I gave my all and that’s all I can do.”
Anderson replaced Carrigan in the 85th minute and said his opportunity was the realisation of a dream.
“It was great. I’ve dreamt of it for a long time, getting my professional debut,” he said.
“It was good to come off the bench even for that short amount of time. I was grateful for the opportunity.
“I just acted as though it was any normal game. I love the game so just got out on the pitch and did what I normally do.”
Palazzolo, who started on the left wing and almost drew Victory level on the stroke of half-time, was also delighted.
“Amazing. Amazing feeling. Just so grateful for Kevin (Muscat, head coach) and the staff to give me the opportunity and I’m very happy for it,” he said.
