With his contract locked away, exciting youngster Troy Menzel has revealed he has no intention of taking a back seat as the Blues attempt to rise up the ladder.

In an interview with the AFL Record, Menzel said he had aspirations to be a future leader at Carlton.

"I've grown up seeing myself as a leader," the 19-year-old said.

"Being able to play at such a prestigious club is something you dream of as a kid and I'm very honoured to do it."

It is not surprising the Blues moved quickly to offer Menzel a new deal. From what he has shown this year, it appears the small forward has the ability to turn a game on its head.

He's agile, evasive and his light frame doesn't stop him from fiercely attacking the ball. He seems to relish the chance to shine on football's biggest stage.

The Blues' game against West Coast in round six is a case in point.

Starting as the substitute, Menzel was lively when he came on, putting pressure on the Eagles and laying a crucial tackle on Mark Hutchings in the final quarter, as Carlton desperately tried to hang in the contest.

Trailing by 24 points with less than 10 minutes remaining, the Blues slotted the next four goals to level the scores.

With about two-and-a-half minutes remaining, Carlton surged forward again. 

Menzel read the ball best, swooping on a Marc Murphy kick inside 50 as others around him misjudged the flight. He turned on his left foot and stylishly drilled what would be the match-winning goal. 

It was a classy effort for a player in only his 12th game.

"It was a surreal feeling. I guess it was one of those ones where as soon as I kicked it, it felt like it was never going to miss," Menzel.

In the full interview, Menzel also discusses his bond with his five brothers – including Geelong's Daniel – growing up in South Australia, and his battles with serious knee injuries including his decision to have the controversial LARS reconstructive surgery at age 16.

Read the full Menzel interview in the Round 21 edition of the AFL Record, available at all grounds.