THURSDAY's practice match against Collingwood gave many young Blues the perfect opportunity to gain valuable match experience against experienced opposition.

One of the players looking to make the most of the chance to prove his case for the upcoming season was Tom De Koning, whose performance piqued the interest of more than a few people. 

Speaking on SEN Afternoons, assistant coach John Barker spoke positively about the young tall's efforts in the practice match - especially stepping up in the absence of leading ruck, Matthew Kreuzer.

“‘Tommy’ came in and gave them a bit of a chop out, took a few really nice marks,” Barker said.  

“He’s growing, he’s getting better and tracking along nicely.”

Alongside new Blue Marc Pittonet, De Koning helped shoulder the ruck work across Thursday's game - which was a mix of full match simulation and three shorter terms. 

However, it wasn't just De Koning's ruck work that pleased Barker. The 20-year-old used every centimetre of his massive 203cm frame and supreme athleticism to move well around the ground and mark strongly. 

It are these strengths that leave Blues' coaches reluctant to simply lock De Koning into a traditional ruck role and seek to give him as much freedom to develop his natural game. 

'“He’s catching the ball really well but his leaps in the ruck are outstanding so we’re just going to let him evolve and grow,” Barker said.

“The other part of it is about the opportunity that presents within the team, you’ve got to take that opportunity when one presents. 

“Those big guys you like to let them grow and they can grow into a role if you don’t pre-determine it too much.”

De Koning put behind the disappointment of a pre-season knee injury at the beginning of 2019 to finish strongly playing for the Northern Blues.

Averaging 12 hit-outs and kicking four goals in his 11 games for the season, De Koning's efforts during the pre-season will put him in good stead for the upcoming AFL season as he looks to find a more permanent spot in the team.