It was exactly the start Fremantle needed.
After two weeks of being on the back foot, Brady Grey kicked Fremantle's opening goal at Domain Stadium against the reigning premier Western Bulldogs - putting the home side in front for the first time in the 2017 season.
It was also the 21-year-old’s first AFL goal, and he made his celebration count.
“I was just talking to (teammates Alex Pearce and Taylin Duman), I think I probably went over the top with the celebration,” Grey said.
“I took a mark and just went back and the boys told me to back myself in.
“It went through and the emotions just took over and it was a bit of a celebration.”
After a difficult off-season, you could hardly blame Grey for taking in the moment.
While battling an ankle injury, Grey was delisted at the end of the 2016 season - but was invited to train on with the side.
His hard work paid off, relisted via the 2016 Rookie Draft and elevated to the senior list ahead of Saturday night’s game.
“It’s been quite the journey so far,” Grey said.
“So tonight, to win our first game (of the year), it’s made it all the more special.
“I’ve been working hard and that was my goal when I got relisted to get back onto the senior list. It took a while but it was really nice to get recognition and get onto the field today.”
After kicking the opener, Grey continued to play a crucial role in Fremantle’s 16-point win.
Alongside his 19 disposals, Grey had five inside 50s, six marks and five tackles.
In just his fourth AFL game, Grey said it was all about playing the same role he had with Peel.
“I think that was our role to put pressure on create turnovers,” Grey said.
“Croz (Hayden Crozier) and myself came into the side, and that was our role at Peel and we just wanted to bring that to Freo.”
While Grey is the toast of the men’s team tonight, he’s long been a favourite of Fremantle’s women’s side – where he worked as an assistant coach though the AFLW season.
“I got a surprising number of messages from most of the team,” Grey said.
“(It’s great) knowing that I’ve had an impact with them and they’re following my football now.
“It adds a bit of pressure but it’s great to have their support but it’s good to have that link from the two teams.”
