Olivia Barber is the first to admit there were some tears shed when she found out she'd be playing her first AFLW game for Geelong this weekend.
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Not only did the tears roll down her face, but also her family's back home on the Border when she shared the news.
The 18-year-old will take on Collingwood alongside her Cats' teammates at Victoria Park on Saturday.
After missing selection for Geelong's round one clash against North Melbourne last week, Barber said she's overwhelmed to finally have her dream realised.
"I'm still trying to get my head around the fact that I'm actually going to be playing and not just watching," she said.
"I'm keen for the opportunity and just want to get out there and show everyone what I can do.
"I've been waiting for this moment for such a long time and it's finally come around."
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While some of Barber's family will be unable to make it to her debut game, her two biggest fans will be in the crowd.
"As long as mum and dad are there I'll be fine," she said.
Barber is likely to switch between playing forward and ruck when the Cats face the Magpies.
She admitted she'll try to treat it like any other game to keep her nerves at bay.
"The only difference is just going to be the crowd and adjusting to how much excitement is going to be around when I run onto the ground," she said.
"I like dancing and listening to music before a game, that kind of just takes everything away.
"I might do a bit of that in the change rooms before I head out."
The Cats are coming off the back of 62-point loss to the Roos, while the Magpies accounted for the Blues.
"Watching them play last weekend, they look like a pretty good team," Barber said.
"It should be a good contest."
