THERE’S nothing quite like your first win in AFL football.

Marc Pittonet’s first game didn’t quite go to plan, but the second one did, with the Hawks’ recording a 108-point win against Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

“I was rapt to get the win, and just to get out there and have another crack at it, it was unreal,” the 20-year-old said post-game.

Pittonet made his debut in Round 1 this year – as a late inclusion for fellow ruckman Jon Ceglar – and strong form at VFL level over the next 10 weeks ensured he was first in line when Ceglar was ruled out of the Bombers’ clash through suspension.

For the second-year ruckman, it’s been about improving his game at every opportunity.

“I’ve been working on maintaining my follow-up, my tackling pressure…. Also just improving my running,” Pittonet said.

“I thought I ran a lot better this time compared to my last game, so I was able to get a bit more involvement which was good.”

Pittonet finished with six disposals and 11 hit-outs – plus an equal game-high five clearances and an equal game-high seven tackles.

He said his first win was a moment he wouldn’t forget.

“Obviously with the history against Essendon, it’s always good to get a win against them. To have that as my first win is pretty special,” Pittonet said.

“There’s no where you’d rather be (than in the middle of the winners’ circle), it’s the best place.”