SOUTH Warrnambool export Renee Saulitis will make her AFLW debut for St Kilda on Friday night.
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The 18-year-old small forward, who is one of six debutants, will play against the Western Bulldogs at the club's home at Moorabbin.
The former Greater Western Victoria Rebel becomes the fourth south-west player and the first from Warrnambool to play in the national competition.
North Melbourne captain and former AFLW best and fairest Emma Kearney (Hamilton), Geelong's Georgia Clarke (Branxholme) and Brisbane's Maria Moloney (Garvoc) are the other three.
The former Ballarat Grammar boarder, who is studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science at Deakin University, was selected with pick No. 33 in the 2020 Women's Draft.
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Her mother Raelene, who received the news via text on Wednesday night, said the family was excited to see her make her debut live at RSEA Park.
"I was really excited," she said with a laugh. "It's wonderful. We didn't think it was going to happen so soon.
"It's a dream come true. It's been a lot of hard work and lot of miles in the car but it is really worth it to see her dreams come true."
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Raelene said the Saints have really embraced her daughter since she arrived.
"They have definitely got on board and are a wonderful club and they have really wrapped their arms around her and been very welcoming," she said.
Saulitis played in the Saints' only practice match, a two-point defeat to Carlton on January 16.
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