THE START of something new.

Alex Cincotta was elated to have made his AFL debut on Sunday, despite the disappointing result against the Saints. 

The 26-year-old got his chance at the big time after being the final player selected on Carlton's list for 2023, having starred for the Carlton Reserves last season.

Playing across half back in a tough contest, Cincotta overall felt lucky and privileged to be able to run out with the Blues in his first ever AFL game. 

“It was an amazing experience and a dream come true,” Cincotta said.

“I was so lucky to be able to run out with some of my good mates and just be a part of it.” 

Cincotta didn’t take long to settle in at the highest level, using his pressure and football smarts to get involved in Carlton's offensive plays over the course of the afternoon.

Totalling 24 disposals (at 91 per cent disposal efficiency) and three score involvements, the defender found his feet and made an impact in his first outing for the Blues.

“I was pretty nervous at the start, I think I worked my way into it,” he said.  

“It was fast and I loved every minute of it – I thought I adapted to it, it was good.” 

The new No.39 received his guernsey pre-game from Carlton cult hero Ang Christou, with his family and some familiar friends in attendance. 

After a long journey to the AFL with plenty of ups and downs on and off the field, Cincotta acknowledged the contribution from his family - who he said got him to where he is today - and the people who have supported him along the way. 

One of those special people in attendance was the VFL coach that brought Cincotta to IKON Park in Daniel O’Keefe, who struck up a relationship with Cincotta while at Geelong's VFL side before he became the first player signed to the new Carlton Reserves.

“Having my family here was amazing, I’ve been through a bit of a journey and to have them all here to see me play my first game was amazing, it’s a day I’ll never forget,” he said.  

“Dan [O’Keefe] came: it was amazing for him to drive down from Warrnambool, I’ll give him a call and thank him for that.”