FIRST-gamer Jesse Hogan says he couldn’t have asked for a better start to his AFL career, after playing in Melbourne’s 26-point win over the Gold Coast Suns at the MCG on Saturday.

Speaking to Dee TV, Hogan said it was a nerve wracking day early on, before it turned into a most memorable one.

“It was an awesome day. You couldn’t ask for much more,” he said.

“Gold Coast Suns are a quality side and when you look throughout their list, you can’t really find a weak link.

“For us to get a win like that against the odds is the perfect way to start the season, so we’ve got to back it up next week and … hopefully it’s a sign of things to come.”

Hogan said it was hard to describe his day, which included two goals, seven marks (including four contested) and 15 touches.

“I couldn’t even put into words,” he said.

“In two years, I’ve had three different coaches – it’s been a bit different – and not a lot of people can say they’ve done what I’ve done, but it’s been awesome.

“Now I’m finally playing and the team has got a lot of belief in itself – and that’s the biggest thing for us – we all believe in each other and that we can go out and perform like that … so it’s good times.”

Hogan said it was “unreal” to sing the team song for the first time.

“I can’t say I’ve watched the boys do it a lot of times, but every time they do it, you want to be a part of it,” he said.

“To be a part of it today (Saturday) with six other boys in the middle was incredible.”