A sleepless night ahead of his first appearance for the Gold Coast SUNS didn’t prevent prized recruit Jarrod Garlett from getting off to an impressive start at AFL level.
 
Last year’s pick No. 15 in the National Draft looked lively in attack with his defensive pressure around goals a feature. Garlett finished with two goals from three shots, including a goal from the boundary line that highlighted his poise.
 
But, it was the young West Australian’s harassment of the opposition that stood out, with Garlett registering five tackles and a bevy of pressure acts.
 
The 18-year-old revealed he endured a nervous couple of days in the lead up to the NAB Challenge opener against Geelong. Although, you would not have known by watching him play on Sunday.

VIDEO: See what Rodney Eade said to the media following the NAB Challenge match against Geelong.
 
“My first game, I thought it went pretty well. I was actually pretty nervous the day before,” Garlett told SUNS TV following Gold Coast’s eight-point victory over the Cats at Tony Ireland Stadium.
 
“Last night, I couldn’t really sleep, I was so nervous just to get out there and have a run.
 
“I think it went quite well just for a start. I’m looking forward to the next one, if I’m picked for that one.”
 
Confident and assured with ball in hand, Garlett looked at home in his maiden appearance for the SUNS.
 
The speedster will undoubtedly grow from Sunday’s experience and be a major beneficiary from more exposure to football at the elite level.
 
“Rocket told me to back myself so that’s what I went out and done. I’m disappointed I missed that last one (goal), that was easier than the second one I kicked,” Garlett said.