The South Warrnambool export and lifelong Hawthorn supporter had officially made it onto the final, 30-man list for Box Hill's squad in 2019.

"It was an unreal feeling," Anderson said on Tuesday.

"But I'm just taking things one step at a time, setting short-term goals and trying to tick them off."

Anderson, who just started a new job as an electrician in Melbourne, has been training with Box Hill since October.

But on Friday he made coach Max Bailey pay him some extra attention.

The 21-year-old grabbed an impressive mark and then slotted a set-shot from outside 50 with his very first possession in Box Hill's practice match against the Eastern Football League's South Croydon at Waverley Park. 

"It was a bit of a surprise to get my hands on the ball early, but it was a good experience," Anderson said. 

"And Max has been great to me so far. I've loved every minute, especially after watching him on TV as a kid."

Anderson has retained South Warrnambool as his home club, meaning he can play for the Roosters in the Hampden league any time he isn't selected for Box Hill.

And he's looking forward to helping the side improve on 2018, when the Roosters made the semi-finals. 

"We've got some strong recruits, which is really good," Anderson said. 

"Everyone is probably the fittest they've been, so we're all keeping each other motivated."