While it is only natural for a debutant to feel strong pre-game nerves before running out onto the field, very few would admit to going into panic mode.

North defender Ed Vickers-Willis experienced the sudden fear in round 18 against Collingwood after nearly being a late inclusion for midfielder Daniel Wells, who had breathing problems during the warm-up.

With Wells undergoing a last-minute fitness test in the change rooms, Roos list manager Cameron Joyce told the 20-year-old to get ready – some 15 minutes before the players took the field.

"It was a hectic night. I was going from just standing on the sideline – I just had a bread roll – and I saw 'Wellsy' [Wells] come off and 'Wags' [Corey Wagner] went down to warm up," Vickers-Willis told NMFC.com.au on Wednesday.

"But then it was suggested that Jamie Macmillan or 'Dal' [Nick Dal Santo] might go inside [in the midfield] and there'd be a spot at half-back, so I'd be the emergency to get the call-up.

"In the first five minutes of warming up, I started panicking but then once I was getting my shoulders, ankles and fingers taped, it all became real that they really weren't sure if Wellsy was going to play.

"It was a bit daunting but it was exciting to be so close."

Aside from the false start, Vickers-Willis is on the cusp of making his long-awaited debut following his consistent performances for VFL affiliate Werribee this season.

The 190cm backman said he was as prepared as ever for a senior berth having overcome an injury-interrupted maiden season at North.

"I've been around the club for a while but it's good to have some footy under the belt and know that my fitness and skill level at this stage is definitely ready," Vickers-Willis said.

"I've played against some good opposition in the VFL and had big roles there so I feel as ready as I'll ever be.

"It's a strange feeling because it's out of your control."

Despite his delayed start to 2016, Vickers-Willis has appeared in 10 games in the VFL this season after managing just five matches last year.

The youngster, who was recruited with pick No.36 in the 2014 national draft, had left shoulder surgery in June last year followed by surgery on his other shoulder in December.

Off the field, Vickers-Willis was this week nominated for the Jim Stynes Leadership Award for his maths tutoring in North's community arm, The Huddle, with the winner to be announced on Brownlow Medal night.

He said he drew a tremendous amount of satisfaction from helping Year 11 and 12 students from diverse cultural backgrounds for three hours every week, while taking his mind off the rigours of being involved in the AFL system.

"It's nice to not be a footballer for a few hours each week and strike that balance where I can just go in there and it is a release," Vickers-Willis said.

"I can really stimulate my mind and take myself back to the maths I used to do at school.

"It's very challenging because you find students of all levels … and I've gained a lot of respect for teachers and teaching, and that translates to the coaches that you can't try force people to understand what you're saying because everyone learns at their own pace."