Midfielder Anthony arrived at Arden Street via the 43rd pick in November's NAB AFL Draft and, after making a smooth adjustment to pre-season training, played in each of North's four NAB Cup/Challenge matches.
The 21-year-old was a stand-out for East Fremantle in the WAFL competition last year, finishing second in that club's best-and-fairest count and believes his experiences have encouraged his early progress as a Roo.
"It's an obvious adjustment from WAFL level," Anthony said from Arden Street on Tuesday. "The intensity, the bodies – everything's another step up, especially the training. That's probably been the biggest step up at the moment, just the physical side you've got to [have] to play AFL footy.
"I've had three pre-seasons which are probably bigger than [those for] 18-year-olds that have played in the TAC Cup. My body's physically more prepared than the 18-year-olds.
"I'm really happy with the way things are going at the moment. I've been lucky enough to get in the side every week and get a few kicks while I'm out there."
Dean Laidley and his assistant coaches have regularly highlighted Anthony's endeavour and ball-winning ability since North's first intra-club practice match on February 5.
Laidley said at last week's season launch that "hopefully at least one or two" players would make their debut against Melbourne.
First-round draft pick Jack Ziebell, defender Nathan Grima and forward Ben Warren are among the other candidates, but weight of pre-season performances set Anthony and Ziebell apart from their teammates.
Anthony said his parents, girlfriend and mates would travel from Western Australia for the game if he was selected and that the message from Laidley and midfield coach Anthony Rock ahead of Friday's final selection was simple.
"Train well, train hard, train with intensity and bring a bit of excitement to the group," he said.
"Seeing as though I'm a first-year player, that's what they want. They want a bit of enthusiasm and excitement."
Anthony, originally from Northampton – roughly 450km north of Perth, has settled into Melbourne and lives with defender Gavin Urquhart.
However, he shares stronger bonds with Ziebell, Sam Wright and the rest of North's recent arrivals given the extra time they've spent in development over the summer.
"I get on really well with the new guys," he said. "We've spent probably more time together than anyone else at the club.
"They're a really good bunch of boys and hopefully they get their crack this year or in the coming few years."
Dream Team watch – Liam Anthony is rated an $86,600 midfielder in Toyota AFL Dream Team 2009
