DEBUTS don't come much tougher than Billy Longer's on Saturday for the Brisbane Lions against Fremantle in Perth.

Still just 18, Longer was even given the opening crack at the centre bounce against the giant Aaron Sandilands from Freo.

Despite giving away 20kg and 10cm he had early success, winning the first three centre hit-outs.

"It was a different experience," Longer said.

"Sandilands is a real big unit and its unique playing against him because he is so massive. He's a different breed.

"Early on I found I was able to jump, but as the game wore on you're not quite up there in the fitness so it took it out of me pretty quickly.

"He's a big bloke and he uses his body when he needs to, but I pride myself on being aggressive as well so when they do throw that at me I like to take it head on."

Longer became the second ruckman this season to make his debut against Sandilands at Patersons Stadium this season.

Geelong's Orren Stephenson had a torrid introduction to the big time in round one when Sandilands tore him apart as Fremantle jumped the Cats by five goals early.

Longer's job was made tougher when fellow ruckman Matthew Leuenberger was subbed off with a calf injury in the second term.

Longer finished with 19 hit-outs, while Sandilands had 54.