Rookie Will Fordham says he is filled with belief in his ability after performing solidly in the VFL last Sunday.

The 19-year-old, who was recruited with pick No.33 in last year’s rookie draft, accumulated 25 possessions and six marks in Werribee’s thrilling two-point win over Williamstown.

Fordham said he was pleased with his performance but still has to develop some aspects of his game.

"It was a really offensive game for me, I’ve still got a lot to work on with my defensive side but it was a positive," Fordham told NMFC.com.au.

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Senior development coach Gavin Brown praised Fordham’s game after the match, highlighting the youngster’s hard-running ability.

"His run and carry and double-up possessions were exceptional," Brown said.

"He used the ball for the majority of the day really well."

Fordham acknowledged the steep jump from under-18 competition to an AFL list, which was made more difficult after experiencing a delayed start to his pre-season campaign.

"It’s a massive step up, you’ve got to be fit, and in the whole off-season I was doing a lot of running," he said.

"I was out for a while, had knee surgery at the end of last year and it took me a bit to get my body right."

Fordham said he has found a mentor in fellow hard-running midfielder Sam Gibson, with the pair sharing similar characteristics.

"He’s a really fit lad, he runs a lot and he plays the same role as me so I look over a lot of vision of his, sometimes with him which is good," he said.

Fordham named experienced defender Scott McMahon as another teammate who has had a big impact on him.

"Scotty is probably the best one (at Werribee); he’s a very vocal lad, helps out a lot," he said.

"He’s not in the same position but he still has a lot of experience."