Nick Hind has opened up about the joy of doing his family proud with his memorable AFL debut in Townsville on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 23-year-old mature age recruit had the footy world talking when he scored a goal with his first kick at the elite level.
His goal appeared to bring father John, who was watching in the stands, to tears.
In the end, Hind had seven disposals as the Saints completed a come-from-behind win over the Gold Coast Suns.
"I was pretty relieved actually, just to finally play a game. And it was just good to get the win up there," Hind told The Courier.
"It was just pleasing to give my family something. We've never had anyone play elite sport and we've got a pretty big family.
"It was just pleasing to do that for them and kick-start my career."
Hind said his father hadn't conceded to shedding a tear after the second-quarter goal.
"He's not usually emotional like that. He loves footy. I reckon he loves footy more than I do," he said.
"He's always believed in me and all my family have. He's rode every bump with me over this journey of probably six years.
"He was just stoked and I think he is just really proud of me and really proud that I can do it for our family."
Hind, who had a strong season in the VFL with Essendon last year and was then recruited by the Saints with pick 54 in the national draft, said he had long held the belief he was good enough to play in the AFL.
"Now I'm just looking forward to hopefully playing many games," he said.
Before moving into the VFL, Hind had joined East Point from Clunes, where he most recently played senior football in 2015.
St Kilda will next take on the Brisbane Lions in Melbourne on Saturday.