Surely, an AFL player can’t be more on edge than Port Adelaide’s Kane Mitchell?

He’s a rookie-lister, on the edge of Port’s senior list.

And when elevated as cover for an injured teammate, Mitchell remained on edge – he was substitute for three consecutive matches.

The 23-year-old, who won last year’s Sandover medal as the WAFL’s best player, found the first sub duty difficult, but adjusted.

“You have just got to prepare as you normally would,” Mitchell said on Wednesday.

“I enjoyed it, it played into my hands a little bit.”

Then his Power teammate Nick Salter got fit again. So Mitchell toppled over the edge, back to the rookies.

Two weeks later, defender Jackson Trengove got hurt. So Mitchell was again brought back to the seniors.

He was included for what he rates as his real AFL debut: a starter’s position in the loss to North Melbourne last weekend.

“Mentally, that is my first official game,” Mitchell said.

“It’s another dream I have accomplished and another goal that I can tick off.

“Hopefully I can reassess now and play a few more games.”

Mitchell wants to grasp his opportunity while on the senior list for another seven weeks as Trengove’s foot injury heals.

When Trengove recovers, Mitchell will again be put back on edge. But he’s grateful for his current chance.

“AFL is something that can’t be taken for granted, it’s something that is very special,” Mitchell said.