Melbourne youngster Koltyn Tholstrup is building a name for himself with the Demons.

The No.13 pick from the 2023 draft has made an impact since joining the Dees, especially this year by playing in every game as the club rises under Steven King.

The self proclaimed "rubbish talker" has had some big run-with roles across the course of 2026 and has identified a couple of opponents he enjoys coming up against.

For very different reasons, Tholstrup has loved playing on Fremantle star Caleb Serong as well as Hawthorn livewire Nick Watson.

And it's one of the world's most popular toys that allowed he and Serong to bond.

“Serong would have to be up there," said Tholstrup on SEN Afternoons.

"He’s one of the best clearance players in the competition. He’s got quick, really good feet – so he’s definitely been really good to play on, especially when we came up against each other in Round 2.

"We had a good chat about Lego too – we both love our Lego, so it was pretty cool to have a chat with him about that.

“Coming up against Nick Watson was pretty good as well. I know him personally off the field, so it was pretty funny – we had a bit of a laugh.

“The ones that give me a bit back are always the ones that I like playing on more – when we can have a bit more of a laugh, and a bit more fun."

Opposition aside, the 21-year-old Western Australian has been helped enormously by a veteran Dees teammate in particular.

“Outside of people I've played on, others that have been huge in helping me with my game are definitely Jack Viney and Taylor Whitford (Melbourne’s Head of Development). They have been massive in helping me this year.”

On his role at the club, Tholstrup spoke about his season so far and how his development as a young defender with tagging capabilities is going.

“I just love playing, I love defending – it's bloody awesome,” he added.

“I’m playing some of the funnest footy I’ve played in my life, I get to learn while I play, when I'm tagging, where to run – its such a great opportunity. I'm really fortunate the able to play that role, with a lot of power and freedom to play.

"As a team – we’re doing a lot right; there's a few things to tweak.

"We’re not really focused on the end goal, we’re just keeping playing our brand of footy and keep exploring what we can do. We’re focusing on playing fun and exciting footy, and the rest will take care of itself."

Tholstrup and the Dees will face Hawthorn in a Saturday afternoon contest in Tasmania in Round 17.

However, there will be no fun and games with the 'Wizard' Watson as he is out with a hamstring injury.

The Dees are sitting seventh with a 9-6 record while the Hawks are third with 10 wins a draw.