TYLA Hanks is short in stature and quiet in nature, but nothing stops her on the footy field.

The 18-year-old was never supposed to debut in Round 1 after suffering a knee injury just three weeks prior, but a speedy recovery allowed her to pull on the Demons jumper against Fremantle on Sunday.

In the moments before her debut, Hanks received the red and blue guernsey from Daisy Pearce, and did her predecessor proud.

With seven disposals and two tackles at Casey Fields, Hanks showed glimpses of her talent and justification for her selection at pick No.6 in the 2018 National Draft.

But she said playing at the top level requires some adaption.

“I think it took me a little bit to get used to,” Hanks told Melbourne Media.

“I ran out the first quarter and I thought I’m glad this one is done.

“But the rest of the game I thought I worked my way into it a little bit.”

Hanks’ attack on the ball was faultless, and after starting the game in the forward half she earned the chance to play on-ball in the final term.

“I felt more comfortable in the midfield, but it did take a little bit of time,” she said.

“When I got up there I felt more in the game and you’re at the ball so it makes it easier to impact.”

Standing at just 157cm, Hanks didn’t take a backward step all afternoon and enjoyed the challenge of competing against the biggest and best footballers in the country.

“It took a while to get used to,” she said.

“The first couple of hits I thought this isn’t something I’m used to, so just adapting to that and getting used to it was tricky.

“But once you adjust it isn’t too bad to get through.”

And while Hanks looked ready to fire out on the field, the 38 degree heat played a factor in the game as well.

“Even just the little things like getting hit and getting back up again – the heat makes it that little bit harder,” she said.

“But it’s a summer competition, so that’s something we’ve got to get used to.”

While Hanks is undoubtedly made for the big stage, she certainly isn’t one to get excited by the cameras and media attention.

“I keep pretty shy and to myself so that’s not really my kind of thing,” she said.

“So it took a bit to get into it.”

But she has certainly felt at home in the AFLW due to the overwhelming support of her teammates.

“It’s been awesome. We’ve all gelled really well and I already feel a part of the team,” Hanks said.

“The girls have been so good so far so I’m looking forward to next week.”