Excitement and a few butterflies gripped Troy Menzel as he ran out for his first full game for Carlton on Saturday.
Menzel picked up 12 disposals and kicked two goals in the 94-point win over Greater Western Sydney at Etihad Stadium.
The Blues first round draft pick had previously made his debut in round 8 against Port Adelaide, playing the final quarter after starting in the substitute's green vest.
Menzel says there was an extra level of excitement and intensity being on the ground from the opening bounce, particularly when he discovered he was playing on Giant's co-captain Callum Ward.
"It was a bit of a shock when he came up to me, but all of the boys helped me out when they could. Actually, it was a really good effort from all the boys on the forward line, everyone pitched in."
It was just three minutes into the match when Menzel snapped from 40 metres out, slotting through his first AFL goal.
A second goal followed in the third quarter, but the composed 18-year-old tried not to let himself get carried away.
"It was a great feeling kicking two goals in my first full game of footy. From there I moved on pretty quickly, and focused on the rest of the game."