AN IMPRESSIVE first-up showing by big man Darren Jolly had Collingwood fans salivating when the Magpies played an intra-club match at Gosch’s Paddock on Friday.

While several youngsters thrust their names forward for a NAB Cup berth against St Kilda on February 19, it was the performances of Jolly and former Saint Luke Ball that were most eagerly anticipated by Pies fans.

And Jolly, in particular, didn’t let down the few hundred Collingwood fans present as he rucked impressively, as well showing he will give his new club a valuable target when going forward in 2010.

The Pies played two halves in slippery conditions with Josh Fraser, Dale Thomas and John Anthony the only big-name players missing from the hit-out.

However VFL coach Gavin Brown, who will coach the Magpies in their NAB Cup opener against St Kilda, said shoulder victim Brad Dick was likely to be the only player unavailable for that match in a fortnight.

During Friday’s scratch game, Jolly showed why the Pies relinquished their first and third-round picks in last year’s draft to lure the big man from the Sydney Swans.

Despite Jolly’s team in yellow jumpers going down to the team in blue, the 28-year-old used his big frame to ruck well - be it against emerging big man Cameron Wood or Leigh Brown.

He also booted a couple of goals when up forward in a likely sign of things to come this season.

“He can take a good mark down there, so he’ll drift forward at times and have fair stints in the ruck and have his time on the bench,” Brown said of Jolly after the match.

“I think that’s going to be a terrific advantage for the club.”

Ball’s debut was less conspicuous as he floated on and off the ground however Brown said the one-time St Kilda captain had done all required of him.

“[He was] good, just what you expect,” Brown said.

“He got through unscathed and had some good, quality touches and some good, strong tackles and all the stuff you expect from him and that we’d want from him.”

There were few standouts during the two 25-minute halves, although usual suspects such as Heath Shaw - who enjoyed a midfield role at times - and Harry O’Brien were prominent.

Leigh Brown was the most potent forward on the ground, marking and kicking well, while Alan Didak won several clearances when he went into the centre square.

Gavin Brown said youngsters Jarrad Blight and rookies Jarryd Blair and Tom Hunter were also stand outs.

In another pleasing sight for Magpie fans Travis Cloke, who had been hampered by a left knee complaint in recent weeks, moved well and didn’t appear to be bothered by the niggle despite again having the joint heavily taped.

Darren Jolly is a $381,500 ruckman in 2010 Toyota AFL Dream Team.