Coughlan, 16, recently returned from an eight-day tour of New Zealand as part of the AFL’s AIS academy level 1 squad.

The Scots student described the experience as “amazing” and said he was still coming to terms with what it meant to represent his country.

“It’s something you don’t ever really think about doing when you play footy,” Coughlan said.

“But when you think about it, it’s a pretty big deal.

“It was an amazing experience.

“I’d never been overseas before.”

The squad, coached by three-time Brisbane Lions premiership player Chris Johnson, toured New Zealand to help promote the AFL.

They played an exhibition match against New Zealand Hawks.

The Australians won by 43 points.

Coughlan, who was part of playing squad of 30 elite youngsters, said he had a number of goals for the year.

“I just want to play as much footy as I can with the Bushies, GWS Academy and the Rams,” he said.

“My aim is to make level two of the AIS at the end of the year.

“Hopefully I can play a senior game at Albury at some point.”