Small forward Corey Wagner took advice from his Melbourne-listed brother Josh ahead of his debut game for North last Friday night, and says he entered the game with a simple approach.

The 19-year-old, who was recruited with pick No.43 in last year's national draft after being a Brisbane Lions academy member, looked lively in attack and ended with seven touches in the nine-point loss to Hawthorn.

Wagner was given some words of encouragement via text message from his brother – an emerging star in his own right – ahead of his first official appearance for the Roos.

"Josh gave me a text saying, 'Just don't think about it [the game], just play your game'," Wagner told NMFC.com.au on Tuesday.

"We don't really do all that emotional stuff, but when he does, I know he means it, which is really good."

Wagner has learned a huge amount from his elder brother and has seen how hard the mature-age Demons recruit has had to work after experiencing some initial disappointment at last year's draft.

Unlike the Roos' Wagner, Josh missed out on being selected on draft night but made his way onto an AFL list just three days later, when Melbourne pounced with its No.6 pick in the rookie draft.

The 21-year-old rebounding defender was then elevated onto the Demons' senior list in April, coincidentally ahead of the round three match against North, and has not missed a game since.

Wagner said his brother had inspired him to keep striving for his goals.

"He got eight touches in his first game and I got seven, so he's been giving me a bit," Wagner said with a laugh.

"He just said, 'Keep doing what you're doing' – and that's what he's done, too.

"He hasn't done anything different – he played in the NEAFL (for Aspley) … and he's getting better with each game, which is hopefully what I can keep doing."

Wagner was handed his first jumper by coach Brad Scott in the change rooms before the clash against the Hawks, becoming the 992nd Shinboner to pull on the royal blue and white.

"'Wags' you've earned your opportunity, particularly in the last month with some terrific footy. What we need you (to do) tonight is bring your AFL-elite qualities. You've got 21 other teammates who are going to do the same. Congratulations," Scott said, to the applause of the playing group.

Although his jumper presentation felt like a blur, Wagner said it would remain a treasured moment in his early career.

"I saw Mum and Dad in the background, and Mum had a bit of a tear in her eye," Wagner said.

"It was really good seeing all the boys around me."

The 180cm forward, who prides himself on his forward-half pressure acts, went into his first match with a simple mindset after being overawed in his only pre-season NAB Challenge game against Collingwood.

He added he felt at ease in the Roos' forward half courtesy of experienced forwards Brent Harvey, Lindsay Thomas and Drew Petrie communicating effectively during the match.

"They're all so clear and made me feel so much more comfortable," Wagner said.

"Getting your debut feels like you've finally hit the big stage and conquered your dream, but there's still a lot of work ahead."