SUNDAY 15 May is a day that will live long in the memory of Jesse Motlop.

But if his AFL debut is anything to go by, it will just be the first chapter in a long book detailing his journey at the elite level.

Motlop celebrated his first game, his first goal and his first win on the weekend, joining Brodie Kemp in the middle of the obligatory Powerade shower post-match.

With mum Jade Adams, dad Daniel Motlop, wider family and mates all making the trip across to Giants Stadium, the 18-year-old was well supported every step of the way in what he described as “a dream come true”.

And it was a feeling reciprocated by his family, which has had plenty of experience in this field: the AFL competition hasn't been without a Motlop since 1998.

“They were over the moon,” Motlop said post-match on Sunday.

“I actually did see Dad’s reaction on the big screen, it was pretty funny.

“I had my mates there too and they were all at Officeworks [on Sunday] getting the Motlop signs ready. It was pretty funny, but also so good to see everyone again.”

Since making the trip over from Western Australia, Motlop has assimilated very well into Carlton life, joining fellow Blues Jack Carroll, Corey Durdin and Tom Williamson as housemates.

It took until the third term for Motlop to hit the scoreboard with a major, with Jack Silvagni sticking true to the wider team’s word that they’d look after the latest debutant.

And when Motlop got the opportunity, he wasn’t going to let it slip.

“They said they were going to look for me early and it came in the third quarter: ‘SOS’ gave me a little on on the inside and I wasn’t too far out,” he said.

“There was really no excuse to miss it.

“I went back, did my routine and slotted it. All the boys got around me — it’s the best feeling in the world.”

Motlop backed up his debut on Sunday with a trip to the MCG on Monday, assisting in the AFL’s launch of Sir Doug Nicholls Round — which Carlton will open this Friday night when it hosts Sydney.

However, the youngster from Larrakia nation isn’t thinking too far ahead.

Instead, he’s just enjoying being part of an emerging small forward group which is bringing the excitement and pressure in equal measure.

“It’s good to be part of that little crew,” he said.

“You’ve got free range to tackle as many people as possible. It’s our role and as long as we get it done, that’s all that matters.

“[What’s next?] Recovery. We’ve got a five-day break and hopefully I can play against next week, go out and play a bit more footy.”