Graham produced one of the defining moments of Friday night's shock win over North Melbourne when, late in the second quarter, he laid a strong shepherd on Roos ruckman Todd Goldstein, allowing Kade Simpson to weave around Scott McMahon. Then Graham rose to his feet, found space and accepted a handball from Simpson and delivered an inspiring running goal.

It was the first goal of the wingman's fledgling career, and one he will remember.

"Obviously, Simmo was getting chased down by the big fella [Goldstein] and I went to shepherd. I didn't know whether I could move him because he is a man mountain but I was lucky enough to get him off his feet, and jump up and run in and finish. It was probably a moment I will never forget," Graham said.

Taken as a third-round selection in the 2012 national draft, the blond Graham has managed six senior matches but has begun each as the substitute. He was activated early in the second term against the Roos after Andrejs Everitt hurt his knee, providing an opportunity he was desperate to take.

"It wasn't great that Andrejs went down but ... I was pretty eager to get on early. When the opportunity came, I just wanted to grab it with both hands and really show what I can do," he said.

"Obviously, I have played the last two weeks now. Hopefully [Friday night's] performance is strong enough to keep me in the side and, hopefully, I can play a few more games towards the end of the year and build to next year. Fingers crossed the coaching staff keep faith in me and keep playing me.

"I know what I need to work on. I am pretty certain if I get that kind of stuff right there is a spot for me in the team. If I keep performing and doing my role, I think I can stay in there for the rest of the year.

"It's just team defence stuff. It's a step up from the VFL to the AFL. It's a pretty big one – the speed of the game. It's just getting that defensive stuff right that's the key for me. If I keep working hard on that, hopefully, I can stay in and keep playing games."

Graham had 12 touches against the Roos, including seven uncontested, with two inside 50s and a rebound from defensive 50, helping to attack when possible.

Likened to former Blue Nick Stevens for his slick disposal and smarts – Stevens was also his former Gippsland Power coach – Graham has yet to sign a new contract but expects to remain at the club once its discussions with his manager Matt Bain, of Stride Sports Management, conclude.

"Fingers crossed I can get all of that ticked off soon and look forward to next year. I am not really sure where it's at but I am pretty confident that I will be at Carlton next year," the former Morrish medallist said.

In his pre-match address to the corporate faithful on Friday night, Blues president Mark LoGiudice said Graham was one of a group of players in which the rebuilding Blues had great faith.

"Our young players – Dylan Buckley, Troy Menzel, Levi Casboult, Nick Graham, Patrick Cripps and Blaine Johnson – show great football potential," he said.

"Their development is an important part of us being successful again on the field. We need to be patient, there are no quick fixes in this game. Managed change will continue."

While several commentators have questioned the Blues' depth, and LoGiudice has targeted development as one area in need of greater resources, Graham insists the standard of emerging talent is strong.

"Guys like Troy Menzel, Sam Docherty, Andrejs Everitt, Blaine Johnson who has been in, Patrick Cripps who has been injured for a while but is coming through, I think there is a lot of positive things to work with the future. If those boys get a few more games into them, then we have something to really build on for next year," he said.