“HE KEEPS improving all the time. Every game he comes out or each training session, he shows you something he hasn’t done before.”

Fresh off re-signing at Carlton until the end of 2024, Alex Mirkov put together his best performance at VFL level on the weekend.

As the VFL Blues recorded a big victory over the Hawks at Box Hill City Oval, it was Carlton’s clearance dominance which set the tone, finishing the day with +14 over the opposition.

A key part of that was Mirkov, who recorded 46 hitouts — with a whopping 20 of those to advantage.

02:22

Carlton Coaches' Corner | Alex Mirkov

Head of Development Luke Power speaks about ruck Alex Mirkov in this week's edition of Carlton Coaches' Corner, presented by OnTime Group.

Speaking on Carlton Coaches’ Corner, Head of Development Luke Power said it was another step for the emerging ruckman.

“Alex continues to get better and better all the time: it’s been a joy to work with him over the past 12 months,” Power said.

“Against Box Hill on the weekend, he was fantastic. The service he gave our midfield, he gave them first use all day. He had 46 hitouts and 20 of those to advantage, which is a really high number.”

Paddy Dow (15 clearances), Lachie Fogarty (seven clearances) and VFL-listed Will Hayes (37 disposals) particularly fed off Mirkov’s service.

While cheekily trying to take some of the credit, Power said Mirkov’s work with a very popular confidant was beginning to shine through.

“I’d love to tell you that I taught him everything about ruck work, but he’s got a great mentor in Matthew Kreuzer who also works with Marc Pittonet and Tom De Koning,” he said.

“He’s the perfect person for Alex because he’s such a calm influence, a patient guy and a wonderful mentor for Alex to have in the early stage of his career.

“Matty Kreuzer’s role at the Club is to teach him primarily about ruck craft and being able to navigate his way around stoppages, but included in that is also his follow-up — to stay involved in the play when the ball hits the ground.”

00:56

Highlights | Best of Mirkov

Enjoy some highlights from Alex Mirkov to celebrate another two years in the Navy Blue.

Power also expected that Mirkov would be extra caffeinated this week, thanks to one teammate in particular.

“He gave Paddy Dow plenty of opportunities on the weekend,” he said.

“’Dowy’ copped some close attention, so it’s always nice when you’ve got a ruckman who is giving you first possession.

“Paddy cashed in on the weekend, and I’m sure he’d be buying ‘Mirk’ a coffee or two this week.”