That smile was because he was genuinely pleased with his own effort for the night.

Pleased that he was able to contribute.

The 199-centimetre, 101-kilogram George Town product finished with 10 touches at 60 per cent disposal efficiency and kicked 1.1.

The former Northern Bomber also took three marks, laid two tackles and had six hit-outs in the 10-point win over the Power.

‘‘It was unreal,’’ the 20-year-old told The Examiner this week.

‘‘I was pretty happy with how I went and I think I was able to compete and contribute to the win.

‘‘The coaches (including senior coach John Longmire) were also pretty happy with the way I competed, and I think that is my great strength, both defensively and offensively I was pretty strong in those areas.

‘‘I was pretty excited for the game as I’ve worked quite hard over the past two years and it really was a dream come true.

‘‘The crowd is unreal when you run out, and there’s just so much excitement out there.

‘‘There’s just a massive increase in pace and intensity, and as soon as you get the ball you are under pressure and there is a lot of work rate and a lot of high intensity running.’’

The 35th pick in the 2013 national draft admitted it wasn’t an easy night, with Power ruckmen Matthew Lobbe and Paddy Ryder each presenting a different challenge, while Alipate Carlile is quite a strong key defender.

‘‘If you drop your guard against those guys you can be in trouble, but the boys really backed me in and had confidence in me to really compete and have a crack.’’

Having a group of family and friends, including his parents Sharon and Kingsley and brother Corey, at the ground made the night even more special.

Nankervis said even if he was sent straight back to the NEAFL with fellow tall targets Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett to return from suspension for Sunday’s clash with Brisbane, he would still be smiling.

‘‘I know now they (the coaches) have confidence in me that I can play a role at the level.

‘‘If I do go back, I have to just make sure that I am playing well enough to have an impact again.

‘‘I will just ensure I am playing well enough in the reserves if the opportunity arises again.’’