CLAYTON Oliver says his first official AFL game for Melbourne in the NAB Challenge was “everything he thought it would be”.

The exciting young midfielder showed plenty to like about his game – particularly in the first half – against Port Adelaide at Elizabeth on Saturday.

“Bloody oath,” Oliver told melbournefc.com.au with a big smile post-match.

“It was really good and really exciting, so hopefully there is more to come.

“I was pretty nervous when I woke up, but it was just great to get out there. I didn’t think too much about it, but I was just excited when I was told I was in the side this week.”

Oliver, who was selected at No.4 in last year’s NAB AFL Draft, relished being part of Melbourne’s comeback, which ended up being a 19-point win.

“We were down by five goals and then we really turned it on and then we just kept going,” he said.

“I just loved it. I loved going in for the ball. I hunted it and loved the contest. It was my sort of game.

“It was awesome.”