IT TOOK precisely three minutes for Carlton’s Tom De Koning to stake his claim for the AFL Mark of the Year.

After taking a customary high-flying grab over Max Gawn in pre-season (and a number of other attempts), De Koning literally picked up from where he left off in the Blues’ traditional opening clash against the Tigers.

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AFL R1 | De Koning's Mark of the Year nomination

Check out this high-flying mark from Tom De Koning during the Round 1 match against Richmond.

The target of a Harry McKay inside 50, De Koning leapt on top of Richmond’s Nathan Broad and hauled in a trademark screamer.

In his first-ever Round 1 game since arriving at Carlton at the end of 2018, De Koning felt the energy of the 72,000-strong crowd, who were at fever pitch to start the contest and didn’t let up from there.

To vote for Carlton’s No.12 against Brisbane’s Joe Daniher and St Kilda’s Mason Wood, head to this link and follow the prompts.