Carlton ruckman Matthew Korcheck is starting to find his feet at VFL level after seven consecutive games to begin his maiden season.

Signed to a Category B International Rookie deal at the end of last season, Korcheck has shown steady signs of improvement – capped off by his first goal on the weekend.

Korcheck stands at an impressive 208cm and with Carlton’s ruck stocks taking a hit through injury in recent weeks, the former American basketballer has been put in a prominent position in the VFL and held his own.

With Daniel Gorringe, Matthew Kreuzer, Andrew Phillips and Cameron Wood all missing games at some point this year at different levels, Korcheck has stepped up and has played the opening two months uninterrupted.

In a fortnight where the Blues lost two consecutive games by over 100 points, Korcheck was one of the side’s positives: he was listed as Northern’s second-best player against Casey, and recorded 30 hitouts against Williamstown largely as a lone ruckman.

Korcheck has also shown glimpses up forward, taking a couple of contested marks inside 50 which – prior to the weekend’s game against Coburg – hadn’t produced his first goal in footy.

However, he finally broke the duck against Coburg on Sunday at a windy Preston, slotting through a set shot in the opening term from outside 50.

Speaking following his first home win as senior coach, Josh Fraser said he had “total faith” in the big man as he lined up for goal.

“He missed a couple of shots earlier in the year, but I was always confident if given the opportunity he’d go back and slot it,” Fraser said.

A former AFL ruckman of 200 games and a Carlton development coach, Fraser said Korcheck’s first goal on the weekend was just reward for the body of work he puts in each week.

Check out all the goals from the Carlton-listed players in the Northern Blues' win

“He works pretty hard, Matty, and he works hard at training on his ruck craft and his goalkicking,” Fraser said.

“He missed a couple of shots earlier in the year but we were always confident he’d get another opportunity and slot it.

“To his credit he composed himself, went back through his routine and knocked it over: that was certainly a highlight of the day.”

The Northern Blues have a state league bye this weekend, with their next match to come at Ikon Park against Frankston on Sunday, June 5.