RISING Star favourite Jaeger O’Meara says he’s excited about playing his first AFL Premiership match in front of his family and friends at Patersons Stadium this Saturday, but emphasised his only focus heading into this weekend’s Round 19 contest was helping his Gold Coast SUNS achieve an upset victory over the West Coast Eagles. 

“I’ve certainly been looking forward to it for a while and I can’t wait to play in front of my family and friends for the first time,” O’Meara said.

“It’ll be good to get home and play a bit of footy at Patersons Stadium.”

The star Gold Coaster has taken the AFL world by storm during his debut season, averaging 22 disposals a game, appearing in all 18 matches and forming a dangerous combination with Dion Prestia, Danny Stanley and skipper Gary Ablett.

Despite reports West Coast were circling in on the gun midfielder in an effort to bring him back to Western Australia, the elite teenager demonstrated his faith in the Gold Coast SUNS by extending his contract until the end of 2016 earlier this month. 

And while O’Meara expects his decision to re-sign long term to the Gold Coast might not have been well-received by Western Australia’s diehard supporter base, he doesn’t expect to cop too much slack in his return to the Sand Gropers.

“It’s no secret the WA fans are very passionate AFL fans and I don’t expect it to be any different this weekend,” he said.

“They’re a very difficult side to play against on their home turf, and I know having watched them up close and personal, that we’re going to be in for a big challenge.”

“But I’m confident, and our playing group is confident, that if we can compete for four quarters and give ourselves a fighting chance of kicking the winning score.”