He was forced to wait until Round Six before making an AFL debut, but Riley Thilthorpe is loving life at West Lakes.

The forward made a huge impression during his first game with the Crows, booting five goals to go with 16 disposals in the Round six clash with Hawthorn.

He also earned the Round 13 Rising Star nomination after kicking three goals, including the match winner, against St Kilda in Cairns.

Thilthorpe, who was selected at No. 2 in last year's AFL Draft, told AFC Media footy was not always his first-choice sport.

His father played ice hockey for Australia and there was once a time where Thilthorpe thought he would skate in that direction.

But he ultimately decided to focus on footy - to the delight of Crows fans - but jokes he “broke” his dad’s heart.

 “I played ice hockey until I was about 10 and then decided to give footy a crack and I don’t think I’ll be going back,” Thilthorpe said.

“I think footy has worked out alright.

“More of my friends were playing it (footy) at the time and then I fell in love with it.

“I think I broke his (Dad's) heart. I still don’t think he’s really over it. 

“Nah, he was really good, really supportive and he’s helped me a lot throughout my career so far.”

Thilthorpe’s first win came against Melbourne in Round 10 and it was certainly one to remember.

“Seeing Tex go back and nail that (goal) from 30m out, directly in front, it was every kid’s dream and it was just unreal to be on the field playing with him,” Thilthorpe said.

“Getting that confidence that we can beat anyone in the league and that what we are doing is working. 

“If we stick with it, we just have to be a bit more consistent.”

Thilthorpe said his goal for the remainder of the year was to continue improving and become a consistent performer.

The 18-year-old also named who he thought was the funniest person in his side as he settled into West Lakes. 

“Jordon Butts is pretty funny,” Thilthorpe said.

“He’s pretty quiet but once he opens up, he’s a very funny guy.”