GOALSNEAK Will White says receiving his first VFL guernsey from one of his closest mates is a memory he'll cherish forever.
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The South Warrnambool premiership player impressed in his first official appearance for Carlton on Good Friday, hitting the scoreboard.
White, 20, kicked a goal from 14 disposals in a 13.12 (90) to 10.14 (74) loss to North Melbourne at Arden Street.
White - in his second season at Carlton - played alongside South Warrnambool premiership teammate Archie Stevens, who gathered 20 disposals.
Stevens made a heartfelt speech pre-game.
"It was something I will cherish for life. He spoke so well, I just love him," White told The Standard.
"I didn't think he had it in him actually but it was so amazing. It's something I will treasure for life, playing with a best mate, especially in that environment."
White made one appearance for the Blues in 2023 when they played the AFL Academy at Marvel Stadium.
He would travel to Melbourne twice a week to train at Princes Park but has since moved to Melbourne to study teaching at Latrobe University.
White said having more time to immerse himself at the Blues during pre-season had paid off.
"It was a great experience. It was good to get my debut so hopefully I can build on that and just keep learning and developing my football overall," he said.
"It was a special moment (kicking a goal) - I won't forget it and hopefully there's more to come.
"I played a high half-forward role and hopefully off the back of my defensive work I was able to get rewarded."
White, who credited South Warrnambool coach Mat Battistello for his encouragement and teachings and was in awe of the Roosters' support, said he used his first season with Carlton to "understand a small forward role is a difficult role".
"Through defensive pressure I can help other teammates and look beyond myself to help the team," he said.
"I wanted to play my role and fit into a system like Carlton's."
Stevens' younger brother George - in his first AFL season - ran out for Geelong's VFL side on Saturday, March 30 after overcoming an ankle injury.
He collected 12 disposals while fellow South Warrnambool export Marcus Herbert, who is in the Cats' leadership group, finished with 19 touches as Box Hill overran Geelong in the final term to win 16.15 (111) to 11.11 (77).
Another Rooster - Essendon draftee Luamon Lual - collected 20 disposals in the Bombers' 17.13 (115) to 11.11 (77) defeat to Sandringham.
Koroit export Josh Chatfield (six disposals) played in Footscray's 15.9 (99) to 12.13 (85) win over Casey Demons.