Caleb Gale is treating his senior debut with Merrivale on Saturday as an audition for next season.
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The 21-year-old said he was out to prove he belongs in the Tigers’ top team.
“I’m striving to become a key player in the seniors next season," he said.
"And I believe I will if I keep moving forward with my skills and fitness I can make that possible.
"So it’s a huge game because I need to prove myself to the club so that I have a position in the ones side from game one come 2019."
The emerging midfielder said despite setting himself high expectations, he was proud of his call up.
He said he felt playing in the final round of the home and away season was a reward for effort on the training track and solid form in the reserves.
“It’s an honour to play along side such a great group of lads," Gale said.
"And to get an opportunity straight after recovering from injury makes me feel better about my game and the way I’m playing.
"I can only really narrow it down to my efforts at training and just making sure I’m there and moving forward."