Kyle Hartigan will never forget his first AFL game at AAMI Stadium, which also happened to be the Crows’ last at their home of the past 23 years.

Hartigan, who made his debut against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium in Round 18, was recalled for his second game against Melbourne on Saturday.

The 21-year-old experienced his first win in Adelaide colours against the Demons, and was treated to the traditional Powerade shower post-match.

“It was special … your first win is something you never forget. I’ll treasure it forever,” Hartigan said on Monday.

“It was actually a bit sticky and cold (in the middle of the song) … but it’s something special with all the boys getting around you. It was an unbelievable feeling.”

With the scoreboard safely in Adelaide’s favour, a party-like atmosphere came over AAMI Stadium in the final quarter. Hartigan was part of the celebrations after the game, but said he didn’t have a chance to soak it up while the match was in progress.

“I didn’t take much in when the Mexican Wave was going around because I was cramping. I was just concentrating on getting some fluids in,” he said with a laugh.

“The noise was deafening out on the ground and the crowd was having a bit of fun. It was a great experience to play on AAMI Stadium and give it a great send off.”

From Werribee in the VFL, Hartigan was recruited with Adelaide’s first pick (No.14 overall) in last year’s AFL Rookie Draft. The former AIS-AFL Academy member, who has enjoyed a consistent season with South Adelaide, was promoted to the senior list in July.

Coach Brenton Sanderson has already indicated Hartigan will be elevated to the Club’s senior list permanently next season, saying the key backman was the equivalent of a “second-round pick” in this year’s National Draft.

“That’s Sando’s opinion and if he feels that way, it’s great. I guess now I have to live up to that (billing), but I’ve still got a lot to improve on,” Hartigan said.

“We’ll have a chat (about my contract) at the end of the season and go from there.”

In another first, Hartigan lined up alongside mentor Ben Rutten on Sunday. Hartigan was called up to replace the injured Rutten against Freo last month.

“I played with Benny Rutten and got to see what he does out on the ground,” he said.

“It was a great learning curve as well.”