YOU couldn’t wipe the smile off of Tom De Koning’s face on Saturday afternoon.

The Carlton draftee was one of 15 players who enjoyed their first win for the Northern Blues in the 39-point victory over Frankston.

De Koning kicked his first two goals in the VFL, while also hauling in the mark of the day as he split his time between the forward line and ruck.

Speaking post-match, De Koning said he was thrilled to be part of the result.

“I’ve never experienced something like that, I don’t think I’ve been that happy after a game,” De Koning said.

“It was unreal, it’s such a good feeling to get my first win at the club and see the hype around the change rooms.”

The Blues were able to come out on top in a combative affair, recording 114 tackles for the match — their highest tally in two years.

As a former Dandenong Stingray, De Koning was in familiar surrounds at Frankston Oval — he said the way Northern rallied after a slow start made the win even better.

“I’m a local boy down in Frankston so I knew that the crowd would be getting into us,” De Koning said.

“It was a tough day and I was definitely feeling sore after the match, but it was just great to get the four points.”

Nine individual goalkickers was the most so far this year for the Blues, with De Koning, Patrick Kerr and Matthew Lobbe combining for seven goals.

De Koning was joined on the scoresheet by fellow draftee Angus Schumacher, who opened his account in the second term on the way to collecting 16 disposals.

Senior coach Josh Fraser was full of praise for his side, and said De Koning’s reaction post-match was “what footy is all about”.

“It’s fantastic to hear he had so much fun and enjoyed the win,” Fraser said.

“As a younger player, it’s not just about building your craft as a footballer, but enjoying the process behind that.

“Young talls traditionally take a bit of time, but the way Tom plays with great energy for the contest and his teammates is a really good base-line. We’ve seen good growth in his game each week.”

With Williamstown to come this Saturday, De Koning said he was already raring to go for the Seagulls this weekend.

“Wins like that absolutely make you want to get straight back out there, I’m pumped for next weekend,” De Koning said.

“It was a great experience to be involved in and hopefully it can kickstart a couple of wins in the next few weeks.”