YOUNG ruckman Tom De Koning will become the 1,199th player to represent Carlton when he makes his AFL debut against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.
The 19-year-old, taken at pick No.30 in last year's national draft, joins Jacob Weitering and Aaron Mullett as the Blues' inclusions, while Nick Graham (calf), Sam Kerridge (omitted) and Jarrod Pickett (omitted) make way.
Affectionately known as 'The King' for the translation of his Dutch surname, De Koning has earned his opportunity on the big stage after an impressive run of form in the VFL.
SCENES!
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) August 17, 2018
Go get 'em, @TomDekoning. #BoundByBlue pic.twitter.com/UFD27yFESU
In particular, his performance in the Northern Blues' win over Coburg on Saturday drew high praise from VFL senior coach Josh Fraser.
"We liked lots of what Tommy did. I think the way he’s jumping and rucking in general is pleasing," Fraser said.
"I love the way that he’s launching for marks - he’s done that pretty consistently this year. He plays with a real free spirit."
Coincidentally, De Koning joins fellow inclusion and former Mt Martha teammate Weitering in Sunday's line-up.
The pair grew up on the Mornington Peninsula, with De Koning - one of 10 siblings - formerly based in Safety Beach.
The Blues and the Bulldogs will go head-to-head from 1:10pm at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, with $15 'Super Bay' tickets still available. Click here to purchase yours.
Carlton's Round 22 line-up:
Backs | 4. Lochie O'Brien | 17. Sam Rowe | 39. Dale Thomas |
Half-backs | 38. Ciaran Byrne | 13. Jed Lamb | 23. Jacob Weitering |
Centreline | 3. Marc Murphy (C) | 9. Patrick Cripps | 16. Darcy Lang |
Half-forwards | 5. Sam Petrevski-Seton | 30. Charlie Curnow | 29. Cameron Polson |
Forwards | 35. Ed Curnow | 10. Harry McKay | 46. Matthew Wright |
Followers | 27. Matthew Lobbe | 6. Kade Simpson | 2. Paddy Dow |
Interchange | 22. Caleb Marchbank | 1. Jack Silvagni | 12. Tom De Koning |
18. Aaron Mullett | |||
Emergencies | 26. Harrison Macreadie | 19. Angus Schumacher | 11. Sam Kerridge |
33. Jarrod Pickett |
In: Weitering, De Koning, Mullett
Out: Graham (calf), Pickett (omitted), Kerridge (omitted)