Koroit footballer Martin Gleeson has made a rapid start to his AFL career after making his NAB Cup debut for Essendon last Friday night.

Gleeson lined up for the Bombers in the second leg of their NAB Cup double header at Etihad Stadium.

After watching on from the sidelines as his team took on the Western Bulldogs in the first game, Gleeson then got his chance in the second game against Collingwood.

The exciting youngster soon showed he was not just making up the numbers as he gathered three kicks, one mark and one handball in his 20 minutes on the ground.

While the game was part of the pre-season competition, the intense rivalry between Collingwood and Essendon ensured it was a keenly contested encounter with the Magpies winning by just two points.

Gleeson played on a half forward flank and came up against a list of high-quality players as his direct opponents across the course of the game.

At different stages he was manned up by Nick Maxwell, Harry O'Brien, Ben Johnson and Jordan Russell.

"It was a little bit intimidating running out in front of such a big crowd and then seeing those players lining up on me," Gleeson said.

"But you don't have too much time to think about it and pretty quickly it becomes another game of footy and you have to switch on."

When Gleeson was drafted to Essendon many saw him as a long term prospect for the Bombers with his tall but slight build expected to keep him shielded from senior action.

But his early elevation and his ability to get touches has shown he may yet be a chance to play senior football during the home-and-away season.

His performance on Friday night did not go unnoticed by the team hierarchy with coach James Hird giving him a mention in his after match press conference.

While Gleeson is not placing his expectations too high for continued selection in the NAB Cup or for the early part of the main season, the game last Friday night has helped his confidence.

"Most of the guys playing are over six foot and are quick and agile but I didn't feel out of my depth, I felt like I could hold my own.

"I think playing seniors at Koroit early helped teach me how to play against bigger bodies and that helped again on Friday night."