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Three preseasons, two surgeries and now a senior game for the club’s newest debutant, Luke Rounds who will run out with the side when the Pies take on the Hawks on Sunday afternoon at the MCG.

After spending several weeks named as an emergency, the club’s 46th overall selection in the 2008 draft will become the 1089th Magpie to don the black and white stripes this weekend.
 
Rounds spoke to CTV on Friday about playing his first game for the club.

“Mick told me I was in the mix for the last few weeks and then yesterday approached me in the gym and told me I was playing.
 
“The feeling is still sinking in, ” Rounds told CTV reporter Paul Licuria at the Westpac Centre on Friday.

The 20-year-old has had his last two pre-seasons interrupted due to postseason surgery, the most recent occurring towards the end of 2010 when he underwent a shoulder reconstruction. 

In 2011 Rounds has managed to play every VFL match (11) and is averaging 13.5 disposals.

“After my first year I wasn’t sure how I was going to go.  After having those operations on my shins and calves I thought it would put me back a bit but since then I have played some OK footy.
 
“In my second year I showed some improvement and played the majority up forward.
 
“This year I have been lucky enough to string a few games together and to have no injuries,” Rounds added.
 
The hard-bodied utility has played a variety of roles this year under Tarkyn Lockyer, a strategy which Rounds believes will help him when he plays his first senior game this weekend.
 
“It’s been good to play at both ends of the ground and to be able to go reasonably well.  I feel comfortable at both ends of the ground which gives me great confidence.”

Rounds’ mother nearly didn’t believe her son when he told her he was going to make his debut on the weekend.

“I sent mum a text at lunchtime and she wasn’t sure whether to believe me because Beamsy (Dayne Beams) took my phone late last year and sent her a text telling her I was playing when I wasn’t.
 
“She was over the moon when I confirmed it.  My younger brothers couldn’t believe it; they were speechless.

“I am really excited about the opportunity.”