“OVER the moon.”

Josh Deluca is Carlton’s newest addition, and the excitement was palpable on the new recruit’s face upon his arrival at Ikon Park.

Selected with the opening pick in the NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft, Deluca stepped into his new home on Wednesday morning for his first day as a Blue.

While the news was announced on Monday night, Deluca found out earlier in the day — and his reaction said it all.

“I got a call from [list manager] Mick Agresta and he said ‘how would you feel if I told you that you were a Blue?’,” Deluca said.

“I nearly dropped the phone, I was shaking and I was really excited. It was just before the draft and I knew before I saw it called out, it’s all been a whirlwind of emotions.

“It’s a real privilege and an honour to be at such a good club.”

The midfield-forward has prior AFL experience, of course, featuring in four games for Fremantle back in 2017.

However, it was his work back in the WAFL for Subiaco which saw Carlton’s recruiters take notice and take the punt on the 23-year-old.

Deluca said the potential to add to that senior tally was something he was incredibly motivated to achieve: but he knew it wouldn’t happen straight away.

“Like any players you want to play at the highest level for as long as you can, be the best player you can and contribute as much as you can,” he said.

“I understand what the process is, you’ve got to build your way up and earn the respect.

“I’ve got no expectation on what round or when I’ll be in, but I’ll be pushing as hard as I can from day one.”

Keen to add a further West Australian feel to a midfield already containing the likes of Patrick Cripps, Zac Fisher and Sam Petrevski-Seton, Deluca is someone who prides himself on contested footy.

Averaging over 27 disposals in his last two seasons in the WAFL, the four-time premiership player is hopeful his experience is something he can add to an emerging group.

“I think that experience with finals and the big games, which I’ve been lucky enough to be part of, will hold me in good stead,” he said.

“They’ve been pretty important games throughout my career which I’ve been able to step up in.

“I think when the opportunity arises to run out on the big stage, I’ll be a bit more calm and ready for it.”