It may not have been the result that the Melbourne Football Club were hoping for when they took on GWS on Sunday, but the performances of their debutants will instil a great deal of confidence as they progress through the 2025 season.
Henderson was one of six club debutants, five who were AFL debutants, playing their very first matches in the league.
Falling by one kick to a side that won its previous game by 52 points isn’t such a bad loss when contextualised.
Individually, Henderson had what would be considered a rock solid debut.
As well as kicking his debut goal, he was able to collect 13 possessions, lay two tackles and grab himself a further two clearances.
There to support Henderson on the day were his parents, Donald and Libby Henderson and his former Werribee teammates.
Henderson spoke with the Pastoral Times this week on his AFL experience so far.
“I was named in the squad of 26 on the Thursday night, but did not expect to be named in the final 22,” he said.
“I’m just grateful for it all; I expected to be sub or on the bench.
“Getting named was a shock really, but I have been able to settle in more and more.
“David Schwartz presented the jumpers to all the debutants, my Werribee teammates were down in the rooms and mum and dad made the trip down, they were very happy.”
Henderson has also received support from all his new teammates at the Demons, pointing to one player in particular.
“Kade Chandler has been great; he has sort of taken me under his wing.
“He has really helped, and I’m just learning from him and his leadership.
“Everyone at the club has been supportive. All the boys, and everyone at the club, celebrates one another's successes.”
Henderson also reflected on the experience of playing on the MCG.
“I had actually never played on the MCG before - well, I did in Auskick. It was funny rocking up to the ground talking to Johnno (Aidan Johnson) about it.
“The conditions obviously weren’t ideal, but it was amazing to play there at the home of footy.”
Henderson has had a run of form from the last 12 months or more - from the beginning of his 2024 VFL season - but says happy to take it one week at a time and settle into his new role with the Demons.
He will continue to perfect his technique in his new role of high half forward, with the aim of being picked for more top level games.
“I am playing a high half forward role and trying to get the craft right there; things like leading patterns.
“One of the biggest things I have noticed since being at the club has been access, as in access to footballs, vision from matches and training, coaches and footy knowledge.”
The Demons will take on North Melbourne this Sunday, but the team line-ups were not known at the time of going to print yesterday.
In addition to his football commitments, Henderson works for Nutrien Ag in Geelong, where his farming background in Blighty comes in handy.
“I am still doing a day a week, which is something I like doing and am passionate about,” he said.
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