This time last year Brody Mihocek was getting ready to enjoy a few footy-free days.

His VFL club, Port Melbourne, had the bye, so recovering from the rigours of the of the season to date was high on his agenda.

The previous weekend he had been part of the Borough side that played out a draw with the Box Hill Hawks in front of a small but passionate crowd at North Port Oval.

Fast-forward 12 months and the 25-year-old, who grew up in northern Tasmania, is preparing to run out on the MCG in front of more than 80,000 people in Monday’s Queen’s Birthday clash with Melbourne.

“I always wanted to try [and make it to the AFL],” Mihocek told Collingwood Media.

“Even if it took until I was 30 to finally get my chance, I just wanted to keep playing at the highest level possible and putting my best foot forward to try and get drafted.”

After a long and winding footballing journey, which involved not only a number of different clubs but also a recent transformation from being a defender to a forward, Mihocek achieved a lifelong ambition when he made his AFL debut in the win over Fremantle at the ’G last weekend.

And it sure was a debut to remember, the 192cm utility finishing with 12 disposals and four goals in a performance that showed why the Magpies were prepared to take a punt on him in last year’s rookie draft.

“To start off with I just loving the moment,” Mihocek said after the game. “I was smiling the whole time I was running out.

“I’m lucky that Collingwood took a chance on me. It’s all been a good road ever since I got picked up.”

Brody Mihocek soaks up the atmosphere prior to his first AFL game (AFL Photos)

The lead-up to Mihocek’s first AFL game was full of emotion for his family.

His father, Jack Mihocek, who played 13 games for Essendon between 1976 and 1978, is not renowned as someone who often shows his softer side.

But Jack was overwhelmed when Brody sent him a text message saying he had been picked for the Freo game.

“I just broke down and cried,” he said.

“He’s done it his own way, without any help from me. So he’s done really, really well.

“He’s well prepared and well grounded. He won’t get a big head over this.

“He’ll take it in his stride and keep being a team player.”

Brody Mihocek with his parents after his impressive AFL debut against Freo (AFL Photos)

Surrounded by friends and family, Mihocek quietly revelled in his new-found status as an AFL player after the victory over the Dockers.

Now, however, he faces the tough task of maintaining his form and holding onto his place in the team.

This new phase of his journey starts with Monday’s blockbuster against the Demons, who are sitting pretty in third place on the ladder after six straight wins.

Even if Mihocek manages to produce another performance of note, he won’t be getting carried away.

And, having earned his place at the highest level the hard way, he certainly isn’t about to take being an AFL player for granted.

“I want to enjoy every moment of it,” he said.