Emerging ruckman Tristan Xerri is hoping to build on his impressive pre-season performance, as he eyes a 2020 debut.

“It was pretty surreal,” Xerri said, talking about his first game in the royal blue and white. 

“Once I got out there the nerves settled a bit. It took a bit to get used to the pace of the game. I was pretty gassed after the first five minutes, but settled into it nicely.” 

Xerri stood tall in his first taste of AFL action, amassing 24 hit-outs and 2 goals in the ruck and up forward. 

“It was nice to kick a couple of goals, even though I stole one off Tarryn (Thomas) and he let me know all about,” he said.

“That was the plan going in, to go forward and to ruck with ‘Goldy’ (Todd Goldstein). I thought we worked really well together. 

“But it’s not about the goals, it’s about getting those structures right in pre-season games.” 

Injuries and State of Origin duties will see some of the Roos’ bigger names miss Marsh Community Series games, handing opportunities to younger players. 

“Injuries aren’t good, and it’s a great opportunity for ‘Goldy’ to play for Victoria this week, but it gives us younger blokes a good opportunity to put our foot forward for Round 1 selection.” 

Xerri comes from a family of North Melbourne fans, who were understandably excited to see him play. 

“They were pretty chuffed when I told them I was going to play. They were pretty excited with the goals.”