HAWTHORN debutant Carl Peterson might not remember everything about his first AFL match, but there's a fair chance most of Saturday's crowd at the MCG will.
An errant bump from teammate Luke Hodge left Peterson dazed and also restricted his second-half output.
It was a shame, for it might have spoiled one of the best first-up performances in a long time.
Not that Peterson minds. He was just thrilled to be out there and playing on the big stage after a journey that has taken him from a rival AFL club, to Darwin and now the Hawks.
"I just want more," the 22-year-old said after having his first taste of senior football.
"If I can get through the next nine days, I hope I'm a good chance for next week."
Peterson made a dazzling start to his career, helping the Hawks to a 56-point victory over Melbourne.
Coach Alastair Clarkson said Peterson looked like he'd been playing at the top level for years, although the forward admitted to pre-game nerves.
"I was [nervous as I was] getting closer to the ground," he said.
"But as I got to the changerooms I felt more at home, with the boys here.
"I think NAB Cup is a good lead-up to playing senior footy. Today was definitely different. It was a real step up. It was a lot faster."
He roamed from half-forward to half back, gathering 15 possessions in a dynamic first half which was capped with a superb running goal 27 minutes into the second term.
But from there it all got a bit blurry for the kid from Kununurra.
While he can remember his goal - and the roar of the crowd which helped him indulge in a celebratory jump - he has trouble recalling the second half.
"Apparently it (the bump) was from Hodgey running through the pack and he collected me or something like that," he said.
"It [the game] was alright ... I think I got a few kicks."
Peterson was first rookie-listed by Richmond at the end of 2006 and spent a season with that club before being delisted.
He then joined St Mary's in Northern Territory for a year before the Hawks swooped at the end of 2008.
Little more than 12 months on, he is now looking to establish himself in a Hawthorn side hell-bent on avenging its disappointing 2009.
And if Clarkson's glowing post-match appraisal is anything to go by, he's already in favour.
"He's been at our footy club for 12 months now and we've been really pleased with his progress over that time," Clarkson said.
"He's had a couple of injuries over the summer of last year that sort of hindered his season [in] 2009, but he's had a full summer and really got himself in good condition. His first half was outstanding for us today."
