IF MATTHEW Kreuzer was nervous about making his much-anticipated AFL debut, he certainly didn't show it as last year's No.1 draft pick drew rave reviews for his first match at elite level.

"I thought he was outstanding … it was his first game and I think he just showed the footy world [something]," Ratten said after Saturday night's 16-point loss to Essendon.

"It's not just his tapwork, he follows up and he's beating the little blokes to get to that fall of the ball as well. That was just an amazing display for a young man.

"I think sometimes midfielders can run around and you get a bit more freedom, but when you're a ruckman you've got to play one-on-one footy and you can't hide or shy from the fact that you've got to jump in at centre bounces and smash in and fly for contested marks with blokes kneeing you and hitting you.

"He's a young man who I think did an outstanding job in his first game; I think it's probably one of the best first-up games I've seen for a long time."

Kreuzer started on the ground at full-forward and took a little while to work into the contest, but impressed mightily once he did.

He showed a deft touch at the stoppages where he managed 12 hitouts, gave a good presence around the ground gathering 16 possessions and a nose for goal with two majors on the night.

The former Northern Knight joined fellow No.1 draft pick Bryce Gibbs in booting a goal with his first kick in AFL footy after finding space up forward. He booted his second after roving the back of a pack.

Kreuzer also showed a good measure of courage when he stood tall under a high ball and took the mark despite oncoming contact, which impressed the opposition coach as well.

"He looked very impressive to me," Essendon boss Matthew Knights said. "He covers the ground beautifully, he didn't flinch on high balls, and his maturity level for 18 is outstanding.