St Kilda young gun Nick Coffield enjoys first win in 15th AFL game, more than 400 days after debut

More than 400 days after his debut, Nick Coffield finally got to sing St Kilda’s song for the first time, officially banishing the ‘Coffield Curse’ to the history books.

Nick Coffield, interim St Kilda coach Brett Ratten and debutant Doulton Langlands are showered during the club song after their win over Western Bulldogs. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith.

The Coffield curse is over.

After 13 losses and a draw to start his AFL career, St Kilda’s No. 8 draft pick from 2017 — Nick Coffield — featured in his first win as a Saint in Round 18.

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The 19-year-old’s winless streak was the longest of any St Kilda player from their debut in the past 30 years.

“A lot of the boys knew, but it was just the boys I live with and my close mates at the club that hung it on me, saying I was cursed,” Coffield told the Herald Sun.

The young defender’s breakthrough could not have been better timed.

His first victory as an AFL player came against the team he supported growing up, Western Bulldogs, and during his housemate Doulton Langlands’ debut.

It was not lost on Coffield that while Langlands tasted success in his first match, his maiden win came 471 days after he debuted in Round 3 last year.

Nick Coffield, interim St Kilda coach Brett Ratten and debutant Doulton Langlands are showered during the club song after their win over Western Bulldogs. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith.

“The games I have played we have been pretty stiff,” Coffield said.

“Luke Dunstan, after the song, was like ‘what were you doing in there?’

“A lot of the boys knew but he had no idea. It was pretty funny.”

Coffield’s record pales in comparison to GWS Giant Adam Tomlinson and former Fitzroy player Wayne Lamb, who went winless for the first 21 matches of their careers.

Ex-Fitzroy and Melbourne player Lamb’s best result in a 21-game career was a draw on debut in Round 7, 1992.

Coffield has played the past four matches for St Kilda after a “frustrating” period stuck in the VFL.

Nick Coffield celebrates a goal with fellow first-round draft pick Hunter Clark. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images via AFL Photos.

His return has coincided with a spike in form for fellow first-round draftee Hunter Clark, who has highlighted his talents by averaging 26 disposals and seven marks in the past two weeks.

“Even playing against him in under-18s, you know what his best is,” Coffield said.

“We have obviously seen that in the last two weeks. He hasn’t done it easy either.

“He’s had to do his time a little bit. We are obviously starting to get more of him and it’s pretty good. He’s going to be a pretty special player.”

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Coffield said St Kilda’s players were united behind interim coach Brett Ratten.

“He’s a great person. He’s got a really smart football brain,” he said.

“If he does get the job, then I’m sure the group will be happy. But it’s up to the board and the upper end of the club.”