PENSHURST product, Josh Rentsch, has made his SANFL debut, taking to Adelaide Oval during Sturt’s clash against Adelaide on Saturday.

The former Greater Western Victoria Rebels co-captain played at centre half-forward with the wet conditions making it difficult for the tall forward to have a big impact.

Rentsch told The Spectator it was a special moment to make his debut in a game which followed the AFL game between Adelaide and West Coast Eagles.

“It was a relief to make it into the ones,” he said.

“It was a great experience to make my debut.

“It was a little bit surreal running out just after the Adelaide game was played.

“Overall it was a really fun experience.”

The local, who signed with Sturt after going undrafted last year, injured his ankle during the pre-season, but has enjoyed some consistency over the past few months.

“It was tough at the start of the year, injuring myself before the season slowed things down,” Rentsch said.

“I just tried to play my role and get the team some wins.”

Rentsch played seven SANFL Reserves games for the Double Blues, kicking one goal in the opening round, before missing round two and was held scoreless in round three.

The tall forward then found form, kicking bags of two, one, two, four and two goals in the next five games to force his way into the senior side.

The tall forward said he had played in the forward line and was enjoying the different aspects of playing state league football.

“I am usually playing centre half-forward and rotate deeper at times,” he said.

“It is challenging at times, but it is good in that it is a lot more tactical and reliant on the gameplan which is good to learn.

“They use Burleys over here, which are a bit more rounded than a Sherrin, so that is something a bit different.”

The local has returned home a couple of times since moving to Adelaide, and with an upcoming bye, is planning to get back to the south-west once again.

Prior to Saturday’s game, Rentsch was presented with his guernsey and a baggy blue, a club cap which all Sturt senior players have received over the years.

His parents, James and Monica. travelled across for his debut game, adding a special tough to the day.

Analysing his performance on the day, he said conditions were difficult, but he would be better for the run and knew what to expect going forward after his six-disposal effort.

“It was a tough performance on the weekend in the wet conditions,” he said.

“I am just looking to reset now and put my best foot forward.”