Sam De Koning hoping to follow in the footsteps of his older brother Tom on AFL draft night
When Sam and Tom De Koning would go toe-to-toe in the backyard, it would usually end in a scrap. Despite the endless banter, the brothers share a special bond – which could see them next clash on the game’s big stage.
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Having a big brother in the AFL should be the perfect sounding board for a potential draftee to settle their nerves.
But for Sam De Koning, it didn’t exactly work out that way.
Prior to last month’s national draft combine, De Koning went to his brother, Carlton forward Tom for some advice on what to expect.
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“He just tried to scare me with some of the things that he told me,” Sam joked.
“He said that it is a huge week and that it is really scary and all the AFL clubs just try and grill you.”
The brotherly banter has always been prominent between the De Koning boys.
Sam and Tom are the youngest of seven brothers, with 10 kids altogether in the family.
But for all their backyard battles, Sam has absorbed everything he possibly could from his brother.
“Our older brothers weren’t really too into footy when I was younger. It was sort of me and Tom out in the backyard kicking the footy and playing games.
“We are pretty competitive people. It usually ended up in a scrap.
“But he’s shown me being at an AFL club, all the little things matter if you’re going to get the best out of yourself.
“He’s been a huge example for me and a huge inspiration. Hopefully I can live out the same dream that he is.”
De Koning has been rising up draft rankings all year, with his Dandenong Stingrays and Vic Country form exceptional.
His national championships ended with selection at full back in the All-Australian team, with his intercept marking and rebound game a highlight of his carnival.
His aerial exploits are exceptional, with the teenager rarely out-marked.
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And with that skill set, it’s no surprise who he is trying to model his game on.
“I really like watching Darcy Moore,” he said.
“He has taken that key back style to another level and he is so attacking off the backline. He can use it well and is the first line of offence.
“Watching him go about it this year has really inspired me and taught me that my role isn’t just a lockdown defender.”
Originally published as Sam De Koning hoping to follow in the footsteps of his older brother Tom on AFL draft night