Carlton youngster Tom Williamson has made his AFL debut in style – as a victor.

The Blues’ newest debutant sported his No.31 guernsey for the first official time when Carlton battled Essendon on Sunday afternoon.

In an impressive first-game display, a composed Williamson finished with 15 disposals and five tackles to mark an “unbelievable” initial outing at the MCG.

“I can’t believe it’s (a win) happened in my first game,” Williamson told Carlton Media post-match.

“It’s a great day for the footy club and everyone involved.”


A young Tom Williamson showed poise in his AFL debut. (Photo: AFL media)

Despite a threatening Essendon forward line, Carlton’s backline stood tall to keep the Bombers from hitting the scoreboard.

With only single goals to six different Bombers, Williamson praised his side’s efforts down back.

“The defence held up well all day,” Williamson said.

“Our communication and set-up behind the ball was A-grade today.”

The former North Ballarat Rebel took to footy’s biggest stage alongside fellow first-year players Sam Petrevski-Seton and Harrison Macreadie who made their AFL debuts in Carlton’s first-round match against Richmond.

All three youngsters held their own in tough conditions to see the Blues record the four points and grant seven Carlton players their first win in the navy blue.  

Second-year player Jack Silvagni was among the group showered with Gatorade as the side celebrated the win in the rooms after the match.

And after waiting 11 games to sing his beloved club’s song, an emotional Silvagni was one happy Blue.

“It’s taken a very long time,” Silvagni said after the match. 

“A first win against the Bombers too, that’s not bad.”