Fremantle Next Generation Academy coach Tendai Mzungu couldn’t be prouder to see NGA product Jason Carter earn a spot in Freo’s starting 22 for Saturday’s clash with Geelong at Optus Stadium.

Carter will be Fremantle’s first NGA signing to debut and the first person from Wyndham to play AFL football.

A speedy half-back and winger, Carter earned his spot after an impressive 14 appearances for Peel in 2019 while playing WAFL league football for the first time.

Mzungu said the 19-year-old should be praised for his efforts and application.

“I’m really proud, I’m proud for Jason for all the hard work he’s put in,” Mzungu said.

“Obviously he’s the first player out of our Next Generation Academy to be drafted, and he’s now the first Fremantle NGA player to debut.

“The thing about working with Jason, he just ate everything up, he really embraced the hard work and the challenge. I think now, he’s setting himself up in a position (to succeed).”

Carter was told that he would debut by senior coach Ross Lyon in front of a buoyant playing group ahead of Fremantle’s main training session on Thursday at Optus Stadium.

Mzungu said that he wouldn’t be surprised if the whole town of Wyndham found out of the news minutes later, with many friends and family expected to make the more-than 3000km journey to Perth for the clash.

“Word travels pretty quick to get up to Wyndham. It’s pretty exciting and I know they’ll be pumped,” Mzungu said.

“They were really excited when he got drafted and now to see him pull on the boots, I’m sure there will be a fair contingent to come down for the game.”