Penrith’s Jake Stein makes his debut for the GWS Giants

After travelling around the world as an Australian representative decathlete, Penrith’s Jake Stein has well and truly found a home with the GWS Giants.

Debutant Jake Stein of the Giants is sprayed with drinks in the rooms after GWS won their round 13 AFL match against North Melbourne in Hobart. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

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It’s been a long journey from the Commonwealth Games to the AFL for Penrith’s Jake Stein.

Five years after representing Australia in decathlon at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, the 25-year-old completed his transition to Aussie rules on Sunday when he made his AFL debut for the GWS Giants in their 23-point win over North Melbourne in Hobart.

Stein looked right at home on the big stage as the defender contributed eight tackles and nine disposals to help the Giants to a dominant 14.7 (91)- 10.8 (68) victory.

Jake Stein handballs during his AFL debut for the GWS Giants against North Melbourne. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Speaking after the game, Stein said it was hard to believe how far he’s come in such a short amount of time.

“I was cramping everywhere in the end, I was absolutely cooked,” he said.

“It was so good. The boys were unreal — it’s just sensational.

“I’ve come a long way but I’ve still got a long way to go.”

Stein represented Australia in the decathlon at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Born and raised in western Sydney, Stein first joined the Giants as a Category B rookie in 2016 following a distinguished career in athletics.

Since then, Stein has made a significant impact in his 41 games for the Giants NEAFL side, even taking out the club’s NEAFL Development Award in 2018.

Stein’s success has come as no surprise to longtime coach and former Giants high performance manager John Quinn.

John Quinn presents Stein with his debut guernsey. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“He’s an athlete of enormous talent and potential,” Quinn said.

“I’ve said for a long time now that AFL is almost like the 11th event in the decathlon, so to see Jake actually bring that to fruition is a very proud moment for me.

“I’ve known Jake for 10 years now, so to see him go from representing Australia at the World Youth Championships, World Junior Championships — medalling at both of those- Commonwealth Games, and then to come all this way, I’m very proud of him.”

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