Elliott Himmelberg was rewarded with an AFL debut in the final round of 2018 after he showed great improvement for the SANFL Crows.

The 20-year-old booted a memorable maiden goal in Adelaide’s 104-point win over Carlton, finishing the evening with 13 disposals and five marks.

Welcome to the big time, Big Ezy! Decent first AFL goal for @elliotthimmel34 #weflyasone pic.twitter.com/xNzOhRFF6I — Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) August 25, 2018

In the SANFL, Himmelberg kicked 21 goals and led team for contested marks.

After kicking 11 goals in five games, including a haul of five against eventual premiers North Adelaide, senior coach Don Pyke said Himmelberg deserved his AFL opportunity in Round 23.

“It’s fantastic for Elliott to get a run, he’s been in pretty good form in the SANFL,” Pyke said.

“He’s developed in the two years he’s been here and put on a little bit of size and shown some things.

“He’s an exciting young player, we see some real progression in him. He’s got some things to offer, which is why we are excited to see him.”

WATCH: Elliot reflects on his AFL debut

Himmelberg diversified his game in 2018 by pinch-hitting in the ruck at times during the season, including shouldering the load in Rounds 11 and 12.

Inner Sanctum - The moment @elliotthimmel34 finds out he's going to make his AFL debut this weekend #weflyasone pic.twitter.com/I1vujFc5nz — Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) August 24, 2018

At a glance (AFL):

Games: 1

Goals: 1

Disposals per game: 13

Marks per game: 5

At a glance (SANFL):

Games: 16

Goals: 21

Disposals per game: 11

Marks per game: 5

Hit-outs: 73

Best game:

Round 16 v North Adelaide

Himmelberg kicked a career-best five goals in Adelaide’s Round 16 shootout against North Adelaide, where 41-goals were scored altogether. He also had 21 disposals and marked strongly as the Crows went down by 20 points.