DOM Bedendo's AFL dream came true on Thursday night when he donned his number 26 Western Bulldogs jumper for the first time.

The Bulldogs came up against Brisbane at the GABBA and although they couldn't come away with a win, Myrtleford's Bedendo family had a memorable night that will never be forgotten.

The Western Bulldogs announced on Tuesday that Bedendo would make his highly anticipated debut and he more than held his own playing across the wing under the lights.

The 19–year–old nearly took a spectacular mark with what would've been his first touch in league football, while he booted his maiden career goal from 50 metres out on a 45 degree angle in the first quarter.

Along with his goal, the Murray Bushrangers product ended up with 11 touches, two marks and two tackles in a solid debut performance.

"We're all just really excited for him," Bedendo's mother Jeniah Munroe said after attending the match.

"We're just so proud of him, it goes to show that if you put your focus and everything into something it can take you wherever you want to go.

"His hard work and good work ethic has got him to where he's wanted to be his whole life."

From a young age, all Bedendo wanted to do was play AFL football.

"Forever everyone that knows him knew he just wanted to play AFL footy," Munroe said.

"As far back as his junior footy days at Appin Park (Primary School) where it was Yarrunga versus Appin, everyone knew what Dom wanted to do.

"He's been so focused on getting there and his determination has just been admirable."

Munroe said her son couldn't be playing at a better football club.

"The club is just fantastic," she said.

"All the boys at the club are great, they're great teammates and great mentors.

"Watching the video the Bulldogs posted where they all got around Dom when they announced his debut brought tears to my eyes.

"It was just amazing."

As for his goal on debut?

"I just started crying," Munroe said.

"Everyone there was just jumping up and down and even the Brisbane supporters were yelling out and cheering for him.

"I just couldn't believe how calm he was for the whole match, even after the game he was so calm.

"It was just a great moment for all of us."