You could forgive Carlton young gun Troy Menzel for having to pinch himself this week; the 18-year-old is preparing for an elimination final just six games into his AFL career.

Menzel made his debut in Round 8 against Port Adelaide and says he remembers being excited but nervous when he ran out for the first time.

"It was a bit surreal going out," Menzel said. "It was Scotland (250^th), Murphy (150^th) and Walker's (150^th) milestones so it was an experience I will never forget – it was a fantastic feeling."

Menzel has played in Carlton's past four matches and has been named in the squad to take on Richmond on Sunday. 

The man who now wears Carlton great John Nicholls' No.2 jumper says he’s growing in confidence with each game.

"I guess from my first couple of games I didn't really know what to expect, so I was a bit nervous and a bit tentative to make some decisions," Menzel said.

"But now I have a few games under my belt, it's starting to come more naturally."

In his short career, Menzel has kicked eight goals and taken 19 marks – and this week has been nominated for the AFL Players' Association's Best First Year Player Award.

The winner of the award will be announced at the MVP Awards on September 10.