Exciting mid-season draftee Tom McCarthy will make his West Coast Eagles debut in the WA Freeze match against Carlton at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

Selected with pick No.1 in the AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft, the 24-year-old made the move west only weeks ago and has already shown his skills in two games for the WAFL Eagles, tallying 46 touches, 10 marks and a goal.

Travelling a more unconventional road to the elite level, McCarthy was never a part of any junior talent pathways.

The attacking half-back only joined Richmond’s VFL team last season after playing division two football for Highett in the Southern Football Netball League.

“It’s so cool. I only got here two weeks ago and to think I’ll be playing AFL this week is just any kid’s dream,” McCarthy said.

“I know I’m living it now, but it doesn’t actually feel real yet, but it will hit me on Sunday.

“I’ve got to know the players well and starting to create some good relationships now so I’m settling in nicely.”

McCarthy will make his debut on his new home turf and said he can’t wait to play in front of the Eagles faithful on the big stage.

“I love the West Coast fans. I went to the game the other week and it was just an amazing atmosphere,” McCarthy said.

“To think I’ll be playing in front of them, they’re so loud and supportive, it will just be an awesome opportunity.”

McCarthy is known for his speed and tenacity, excellent ball use and high football IQ, and is an ideal inclusion for coach Andrew McQualter’s system.

“The reason we picked Tom up in the draft was his ball use, his run, he takes the game on and goes forward in the game,” McQualter said in his press conference on Thursday.

“He also defends well, we think he’s got really good scope as a player and that’s why we took him in the draft.”

McCarthy becomes the Eagles’ sixth debutant this year, following Archer Reid, Tom Gross, Hamish Davis, Bo Allan and Sandy Brock.