Draftee Brandan Parfitt says he “loved every minute” of his first AFL experience.

Taken with the Cats’ first selection in the 2016 national draft, the 18-year-old kicked a goal in last week’s JLT Community Series clash with Hawthorn, rounding out his 11 disposals, three tackles and five inside 50’s.

He was second only to Zach Tuohy for the latter statistic and found himself involved early in the game, providing run and carry for his teammates as the Cats sought to compose themselves following a flying start from the Hawks.

Speaking to the Geelong Advertiser, Parfitt says getting his hands on the ball early helped settle the nerves.

“It was a massive step up. Everything was so much quicker and physical,” Parfitt said.

“Obviously the Hawks have been one of the best teams in the competition for the last ten years, so to play them in my first game was pretty good and a great experience.”

“It was pretty surreal at the start, it was lucky I got a touch in the first couple of the minutes which got me into the game but I loved every minute of it.”

“Hopefully I can keep using my pace, the coaches just want me to do that and use my strengths so that’s what I’m going to try to do.”

It was also Parfitt’s first outing in the famous no.3 guernsey, most recently worn by Geelong great Jimmy Bartel.

Bartel said last week he hopes to form a strong bond with his heir apparent and Parfitt says he’s overwhelmed by the gesture.

“I’ve met him once, briefly, and just had a quick chat about life and he seems like a really great guy. He is someone who I would love to keep in contact with,” Parfitt said.

“He is a legend of the game and for him to say that, I still can’t really believe it. I’m just going to wear that number with pride.”