Carlton draftee Liam Stocker to make his AFL debut against North Melbourne

Liam Stocker, the player snared by Carlton in a controversial pick swap on draft night last year, will play his first AFL game on Sunday. And his father says Stocker is aware of the increased expectations.

Carlton's pick 19 Liam Stocker (right) poses with Chris Judd during the 2018 AFL Draft.

The father of prized draftee Liam Stocker has urged Carlton supporters to be patient with the young gun.

Stocker will become the second Blue from the 2018 draft to make his AFL debut after being named to face North Melbourne on Sunday.

The 19-year-old has become a Carlton fan favourite before playing a game in the Navy Blue, after he was involved in a controversial pick swap on draft night between Carlton and Adelaide last year.

Carlton rolled the dice, exchanging its 2019 first round pick for Adelaide’s 2019 first rounder and the Crows’ 2018 first round pick (pick 19), securing the Sandringham product with that selection.

MONEY BALL: WHY BLUES ARE AHEAD ON STOCKER DEAL

TOXIC: WHY BOMBERS STAR QUIT TWITTER

ROUND 7 TIPS: DEVON SMITH'S 'CLASSIC STITCH-UP’

The Blues had rated Stocker as the sixth-best prospect in the draft pool.

“He’s got a much higher profile than a pick 19 would normally have because of it,” Liam’s father Russell said today.

“He’s been pretty good at blocking it out, but you can’t block it all, and it’s always a point of conversation. It’s also raised expectations going forward as well, but I think supporters just have to be pretty patient with him.”

Liam Stocker (right) receives his Carlton jumper from Chris Judd on draft night.

The call-up follows an impressive start to the season in the VFL, averaging 18 disposals and seven rebound-50s as a defender.

Blues coach Brendon Bolton announced the news with an air of excitement at today’s press conference.

“It’s a great opportunity for him and a great chance for our defenders, who I think have been working really well as a unit to give ‘Stocks’ a go at half-back and possibly through the midfield as well,” Bolton said.

The 19-year-old is likely to be deployed in defence with backline distributors Kade Simpson (hamstring) and Nic Newman (knee) facing stints on the sidelines with injury.

“He’s got good power, good ball-use and he’s hard at the contest. It’s his first opportunity so he’s got to go out and enjoy it,” Bolton said.

Liam Stocker in action for the Sandringham Dragons

Liam Stocker at Carlton training. Picture: Sarah Matray

While his family are delighted with the breakthrough, the news also comes with a sense of relief.

“It’s very exciting, but a bit of relief there as well as he’s been in the squad a few times now,” his father said.

Stocker took out the Morrish Medal in last year’s TAC Cup competition, standing out with his contested ball-winning and elite kick on both feet.

He has worked hard for the opportunity, missing the under-18 national championships with a broken jaw in 2018.

“There’s a coincidence for you, he broke his jaw on mother’s day … and he gets to play his first AFL game the week before mother’s day,” his dad said.