The Horsham Saints product snared three wickets in his first game for Richmond's top side, but could do little more as the Tigers fell to a six-run loss against Essendon.

Despite the result, Carroll said he was thrilled with the opportunity.

"It was a good experience. It's a different standard of cricket, playing against guys who had played for Victoria," he said.

"It's been my goal the past five years, to make my way up through the grades.

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'I spent a lot of time in the 3s and 4s, and only got a first crack at 2s last season. Then, all of a sudden a couple of guys are out playing Big Bash and spots opened up.

"I'd been playing well after Christmas, and just got the call up which was nice."

Melbourne's temperamental weather nearly threatened Carroll's debut, with a wet morning and passing showers delaying the Australia Day fixture.

Despite the conditions, the sides snuck in a 26-over a side clash; Carroll ending with game-best figures of 3-28 off his six overs.

"I was pretty happy with how I bowled in the end. I bowled six (overs) straight, which helped just settling into a spell rather than chopping and changing," he said.

"The wicket offered a little bit, and that probably helped me a bit. But, I was pretty happy with how I bowled."

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Carroll's father, Glenn, presented him with his first grade cap, before finding a place boundary-side with the rest of the family.

"I can't thank them enough for what they've done, throughout the whole journey since I was 11 or 12 doing pathway stuff, driving me down to Warrnambool or wherever," he said.

"It was really good they were actually there and saw me take a wicket. At one point it looked like we were going to be rained out and they would've driven six hours for nothing. But, I was really happy they could be there. It was awesome."

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