That dream will come true for the 20-year-old three-time North Launceston premiership star on Saturday, making his SANFL debut for Woodville-West Torrens.

"I'm absolutely stoked that we are getting to play on Adelaide Oval for the first two rounds," Mansell said.

"Ever since I moved over here, I came over and watched a cricket match in December with one of my mates at the Adelaide Oval and ever since then, I've just wanted to play football on there.

ELSEWHERE IN SPORT

"Finding out that we can have up to 5000 people on Saturday, which will probably be the same, if not more than the TSL grand final, it will be a pretty good atmosphere hopefully."

Lining up for the Eagles against the likes of ex-Port Adelaide gun Matthew Broadbent, who now plays for South Adelaide, Mansell was told of his debut late last week by coach Jade Sheedy, the man who replaced Launceston's Sam Lonergan at the helm this season.

"I had a chat with him and he was like, "yeah mate, you'll be debuting next week, so congratulations."

"He was just letting me know so hopefully my family could potentially get across because of the borders re-opening in SA but it looks highly unlikely that they'll be able to get here which is a little bit disappointing but I'm really stoked to be able to debut this weekend."

Spending several months in Tasmania over the isolation and restriction period, the lockdown defender returned to Adelaide with more hunger and intent after reacquainting himself.

"Ever since I've been back over here I've loved it more than what I did before.

"When I was over here before I came home because of the COVID-19, I did get a little bit homesick at times but since I've been back over here, the players have been great.

"I've had really good support from back home with my partner, my family, friends and my player sponsor, Pro-Scaff, which is [Bracknell coach] Andrew Philpott and Simon Gardner."

Subscriptions are available here.

Sign up to our Sport email here.