Tom De Koning coy on Carlton future as rivals including St Kilda circle with big offers

Tom De Koning has conceded he has “a lot to weigh up” as he considers whether to accept a long-term deal to stay at Carlton or test the market as a free agent.

Carlton star Tom De Koning has refused to be drawn on where he will play next season as long-term multimillion dollar deals sit on the table from at least two clubs.

De Koning, 25, is one of the hottest free agency prospects in the game and is facing one of the biggest calls of his career with his current contract at the Blues set to expire at the end of this season.

It has been reported that St Kilda and Carlton have tabled seven-year offers to the young star – who is set to qualify as a restricted free agent this year.

When asked directly whether he wanted to stay at the Blues, De Koning said: “Look, it’s nothing that my teammates haven’t gone through before. And me as well two years ago.

“I’m in a position that’s no different to Crippa (captain Patrick Cripps), Charlie (Curnow), Walshy (Sam Walsh), Harry (McKay) – those sort of players.

“I’m really happy where I’m at and just can’t wait to play.”

As Carlton fans nervously await De Koning’s call, the ruck declared he was “definitely not setting a timeline” on a decision.

“My main focus right now is playing Round 1 against Richmond and waiting for that first bounce,” he said at Auskick’s 30th birthday celebration at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday morning.

“That’s where my head’s at and everything that’s happening behind the scenes between my manager and the club. I’m happy with where everything’s sitting now, and can’t wait to get out there and play Round 1.

St Kilda has been strongly linked with Tom De Koning and has money to spend. Picture: Michael Klein

“Obviously there’s a lot to weigh up, but my main focus is working with the coaches and playing my role for the team. I’m really happy with where I’m at now, and I love the group I’m playing with. That’s all I can say at the moment.”

Tom De Koning puts the Blues in FRONT! #AFLBluesTigerspic.twitter.com/xziJWUWTv3

— 7AFL (@7AFL) March 14, 2024

Questioned on whether success would play any part in his decision, De Koning – who said he felt “like I’ve grown with this playing group” after he was drafted by the Blues in 2017 - said “I think we’re in a good position at Carlton to have success very soon”.

As for where he will play this season after sharing ruck duties with Marc Pittonet at times last year, the tall said he doesn’t expect to be solely required as a tap specialist come next month’s season proper.

“I don’t want to pigeonhole myself too much. I think I can add a bit of value to the forwardline as well, and depending on things like form, injuries, opposition, those sort of things, I think I’ll be put in different places,” he said.

Originally published as Tom De Koning coy on Carlton future as rivals including St Kilda circle with big offers