Sam Weideman now shares a goal kicking milestone with his flag-winning grandfather Murray

YOUNG Melbourne forward Sam Weideman’s breakthrough performance was reward for patience and dedication and his three-goal performance against Geelong equalled a family record.

Sam Weideman played a stunning game in just his 18th AFL match

SAM Weideman’s first mark and goal in his maiden AFL final had him fired up.

His second proved he had his nerves in check and the third, well, that was the game.

“It probably put it out of reach for the Cats, that made it extra special,” Weideman told the Herald Sun.

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“I was just happy, the boys were happy, it was just such a great win.

“I think getting among the play early gave me a little bit of confidence going further into the game.

“To have that (first) one stick and to see the boys get around me, it sort of gave me a bit of a buzz.”

In a breakthrough performance coach Simon Goodwin said was reward for the 21-year old’s patience and dedication, Weideman had 24 disposals, seven marks and kicked three goals.

He came in as the replacement for injured forward Jesse Hogan in Round 22 and in just his 18th AFL game showed his true value.

Sam Weideman played a stunning game in just his 18th AFL match

In kicking three goals he equalled a family record set by his grandfather, Collingwood premiership great Murray, who kicked three goals in a final, also against the Cats, to help the Magpies progress to the 1955 Grand Final.

Murray also landed three majors in a losing semi-final against the Demons the following season.

“I didn’t know that, damn, I was hoping I could get one better on him,” Weideman said, laughing.

“That’s really special. It’s pretty cool having my grandad do the things he did in finals and win two flags.

“It’s nice to have that history in the family.

“Dad (former Collingwood player Mark) and I often speak about the history of the family and I caught up with them both last week and we spoke about the importance of a final and how special it is, because they don’t come around every often and they said embrace the moment and take every opportunity.”

Sam Weideman ins following in the footsteps of his dad Mark (collingwood) and grandfather Murray (a two-time premiership player with the Magpies).

Weideman said the Demons were a tight group who now had their sights set on Hawthorn.

“We play for one another,” he said.

“We’re really hoping we go further and really create something special.

“I guess seeing the Bulldogs and Richmond do it last year, you can win it from anywhere.

“I don’t know, we definitely think we have the confidence to achieve a high goal this year and we’re excited.”

Weideman said Melbourne’s belief had grown since its away win against West Coast in Round 22.

“I think we’ve been challenged and probably haven’t delivered when we were supposed to (throughout the home and away season),’ he said.

“But we knew if we stuck to the game plan that it was going to come through and we can really wear sides down.

“I think the win over in West Coast was sort of the turning point in what this team can achieve and we’re really carried that through the last three weeks.”