First came the wave of elation, then the one of validation.

As soon as the Sherrin rocketed off his boot and sailed through for his first goal some two months ago, Anthony Caminiti couldn't help but feel he rightfully belonged at AFL level.

For those watching on and witnessing his clean strike first-hand, it appeared he’d been doing it at the highest level for a long time. Instead, it’s been the beginning of a journey that has been equal parts brief, unorthodox and wholesome.

Less than six weeks before Round 1, Caminiti was signed via the pre-season Supplemental Selection Period off the back of a two-session audition that stunned coaches, players and onlookers alike. 

Six senior games later, he’s penned a three-year contract extension to tie him to the club until at least the end of 2026.

That same groundswell of joy and affirmation was identical when the re-signing opportunity was first put forward to him.

“It doesn’t make sense to be honest!” an ecstatic Caminiti told saints.com.au.

“I’m still pinching myself, it’s unbelievable. I’m so blessed and I’ve been so lucky to have so much support around me with my family, friends and the club.

“I think I’ve always had belief in my ability, but I guess I’ve never been able to bring it fruition. I’ve setbacks with injuries and COVID-19, so I guess I’ve never felt like I’ve had a real opportunity to showcase my footballing ability.

While his friends jokingly say his maiden major was "a bit of a fluke!", earning his new deal was far from luck.

Caminiti has more than proven his worth, especially so in a forward line that was struck by multiple injuries and had him, fellow first-year Mattaes Phillipou and seven-gamer Mitch Owens taking up key roles. 

Despite the odds, the ‘Hammer’ has risen to the occasion. He’s bagged nine goals from his six senior outings as the Saints went 6-3, much to the pride of his mum, Fadwa, and dad, David.

He’s kept the news of his signing a secret to them; tonight’s reveal on either St Kilda’s channels or 7News' exclusive interview with him giving them a surprise greater than his initial arrival to the Saints. 

“I’ve got the best parents I could ever ask for. They’ve been so supportive,” Caminiti said.

“It became a dream of mine to play in the AFL when I was about 11 or 12, and ever since then they’ve been so supportive, giving me advice when things are going well or not so well.

“Even that I’ve moved out for a few days a week, my parents still ask how I’m going and if I need any help. Especially during that time with my suspension, they checked in on me a lot. They’ve been great.”

Caminiti has since packed up half his belongings and moved from the north-east suburbs down south into Cheltenham with fellow first-years Mattaes Phillipou, James Van Es and Isaac Keeler. 

Despite arriving at St Kilda through two very contrasting means - Phillipou with plenty of headlines as a top-10 draftee and Caminiti from the clouds as a SSP pick-up - the two have fallen in step with one another as their paths converge in red, white and black. 

“It’s been so good to debut in the AFL with someone and then go along a similar journey to them,” Caminiti said about Phillipou.

“He’s had a different journey up until now coming through the draft, but I think now we’ve almost come together on the same pathway.

“We’re definitely very competitive – we almost fight like we’re brothers sometimes, and it’s all fun and games. He reckons he’s the one that’s better at Fortnite, but he’s dreaming.

“I’ve been so thankful to share all these moments with someone.”

It may be fun and games off the field, but there’s no messing about on it. He's getting used to the rigours and demands of what it takes to play at the elite level, and has already learned some valuable lessons in the initial steps of his career.

That being said, it still feels like a dream for the 19-year-old from Heidelberg.

“You can’t really begin to imagine it. If you had have told me that at the start of the year I’d be on an AFL list and had re-signed, I would have told you that you’re kidding yourself, really,” Caminiti said.

“I’ve had a bit of luck along the way, but it’s also been a testament to the hard work and dedication I hope. A few things have fallen into place, but it’s still unbelievable.

“I still can’t believe it.”