Brett Goodes looked more like his famous brother than a nervous newcomer as he finally made his AFL debut.

Four years after thinking no league club would recruit him, the 29-year-old was high among the Western Bulldogs’ best in the 68-point win over Brisbane.

The younger brother of Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes was outstanding off half-back on Saturday, rarely wasting a possession and hitting the ball hard.

Goodes readily admits it is partly his fault he is such a late football bloomer.

“I was probably lazy and didn’t work hard,” Brett said.

“The penny did drop when I was 23 and … I got myself fit.”

But despite strong form for VFL team North Ballarat from 2007-09, no AFL team wanted him.

“That’s when I thought it was never going to happen,” he said.

“But it’s funny how it all works out.”

Goodes eventually started working at the Bulldogs and played for VFL team Williamstown.

The ‘Dogs recruited him as a player through the rookie draft and after a solid pre-season, he is now realising his AFL dream.

Goodes is far from the oldest first gamer.

But he is certainly at the upper end as clubs increasingly look to mature-age players as a way to add depth to their lists.

“We were watching a lot last year at Williamstown and … every time the ball was near him he went straight at it,” said Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney.

“He didn’t get knocked off the ball and he has a terrific ability to know where his numbers are and where his mates are and go looking for them, use the ball that way.

“His fundamentals of the game are very good.

“We’re pretty proud of Brett, the person, to be honest – what he offers our club on and off the field has just been terrific … a brilliant person.”