Carlton’s latest debutant, Mark Whiley, said it was a “surreal” experience to play his first game for the Blues on a Friday night at the ‘G.

The 22-year-old found out he was in the team the day before the match.

“I found out on Thursday from Mick in the team meeting, I was rapt,” he said.

Whiley was drafted to the Blues in 2014 from Greater Western Sydney and played 12 AFL games with the Giants before arriving at Carlton.

As a Blues’ supporter, the young midfielder said it was a “privilege” to debut for Carlton on such a historic night for coach Michael Malthouse.

VIDEO: Mark Whiley speaks to CFC TV post-match

There was a huge build-up to the game, but Whiley said he tried to keep his preparation the same.

“I just tried to keep my preparation pretty normal .. but obviously it was a big occasion and it was a shame we couldn’t get up for Mick,” he said.

Whiley managed to have eight disposals and lay five tackles while spending time on Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury.

His parents - Tony and Lynda - made the trip from Finley in New South Wales to watch their son play for the first time as a Navy Blue.

While it wasn’t the result Carlton was hoping for, Whiley said the boys will “bounce back” next week.

“Hopefully we can get on the track and work hard and put this (loss) behind us and move forward,” he said.

The Blues take on the winless Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on Mother’s Day.