His career is in its infancy, but Gold Coast SUNS Sam Day will not face many sterner tests than he has in his first four matches.
Despite the attention of some of the game's best defenders, the 18-year-old GC SUNS full forward has shown a glimpse of why he was taken at No.3 in last year's NAB AFL Draft.
Day has already been opposed to top-line backmen Darren Glass, Matthew Scarlett, Ben Rutten and Daniel Merrett.
While not setting the world alight with statistics, the junior baseball and basketball star has attacked plenty of aerial contests and was rewarded with nine disposals, six marks and his first AFL goal against West Coast on Saturday.
"It's been a good introduction to the football world," Day said.
"It's been really exciting to pit myself against the best in the competition. I know I've got a long way to go so hopefully I can keep working on my strengths and weaknesses.
"It's a bit daunting when you first think about it but it's just a game of football so I just go out there to do my best by the team and get the best out of myself."
Day has already formed an exciting combination with fellow rookie Tom Lynch, and with Charlie Dixon lurking in the wings; the GC SUNS are well equipped with young talls.
Day, drafted from South Australia, said he and Lynch complemented each other well on the field.
"He's the hit-up forward, lead-up target, and I like to have a big spring at the ball so it's working well,” he said.
Day said coach Guy McKenna and his assistants had encouraged the young GC SUNS to back their ability.
"It's definitely an exciting brand of football we play when we get up and going so we're all working for each other, getting to know how each other plays and hopefully we can keep doing that," he said.
"All the coaches encourage you to have a go at stuff, stick to structures and do the right thing by the team, but definitely have a go at the dangerous stuff and be exciting.
" Bluey [McKenna] and the coaching staff have believed in me to just go out there and give it my best shot, even if I'm not taking marks like most people expect.
“Just having a go at the ball and getting games under my belt is a good thing."