AFL 2024: Zac Williams and Elijah Hollands catch the eye in Carlton match sim as Tom de Koning eyes new role

The Blues held at a match simulation session at Ikon Park on Friday – and an injury-prone defender and recruit caught the eye. Plus, Tom De Koning on his looming role change.

Carlton ruckman Tom de Koning has signalled his intent to be a dual-threat in 2024. Picture: Getty Images

Forgotten Blue Zac Williams continued his encouraging return from injury during match simulation work on Friday.

The injury-prone defender tore his ACL on the last day of the Blues’ Queensland training camp in February last year, and spent the entire 2023 season on the sidelines as Carlton marched towards a preliminary final berth.

But the 29 year old is nearing full fitness and will be a chance for Opening Round selection in March, having fully integrated into the main training group.

Zac Williams in action at Carlton training on Friday. Picture: Ian Currie

The former Giant has struggled with injuries throughout his career, playing just 23 games since moving to Carlton at the end of the 2020 season, averaging 19.1 disposals, 4.2 rebound 50s and four marks during his time at the club.

He moved to the Blues via free agency on a six-year deal, with Greater Western Sydney earning a first-round selection in the 2020 draft which was ultimately used to select Tanner Bruhn, who now plays at Geelong.

Williams was not the only impressive Blue during their open training session, with fans clamouring to see new recruit Elijah Hollands in match play.

The former Sun, who joined his brother at Carlton in the off-season, offered the Blues a different look through the midfield and forward rotations and will push for an early-season club debut.

2022 draft recruit Harry Lemmey also impressed as he continues to build into his young career.

Next level? Blues star eyes surprise position switch

– Russell Gould

Unburdened by constant talk around his contract star Carlton ruckman Tom de Koning has signalled his intent to be a dual-threat in 2024 having spent bulk pre-season time honing his skills as a forward as the Blues seek to go to another level.

The 24-year-old’s future was a talking point for much of last season and after spending time in the VFL he recommitted on a two-year extension which freed him up mentally to play a key role in Carlton’s surge to the preliminary final.

He’ll form a potent ruck combination with Marc Pittonet this season amid growing expectation of similar success but de Koning also revealed his desire to add goalkicking to his weaponry and had been working with the Blues key forwards to enhance his skills.

Carlton ruckman Tom de Koning has signalled his intent to be a dual-threat in 2024. Picture: Getty Images

“I don’t want to pigeon hole myself in to any one position,” he said on Friday.

“I’m really open to playing both ruck and forward. For me at the moment, it’s a really good opportunity to develop both sides of my game.

“I’ve been working up forward a lot with Charlie (Curnow), Harry (McKay) and ‘SOS’ (Jack Silvagni), and I’ve also been able to continue working on my ruck craft. I’m really trying to build both parts of my game.”

Heading in to as third year under coach Michael Voss, de Koning revealed the connection between players and the coaching staff around what it takes to be successful had reached a level which gave everyone confidence about what they could achieve.

“It’s been two years that we’ve all been together since we got the new coaching group. We’ve really been able to knuckle down on our culture and what means most to us,” De Koning said.

Koning has spent the bulk of his pre-season time honing his skills as a forward. Picture: Getty Images

“For new players coming in, it’s really clear. That’s a big opportunity for them to come in and fit in pretty seamlessly, which they have been able to do.

“We’re really happy with where we’re at from a culture point of view, and our standards are really driven by the leaders all the way down.

“We learned a lot last year. In the second half of the year, we were able to find a bit more of our own brand and bring a bit more consistency,” he said.

“This pre-season is a massive opportunity for us to continue on that, continue figuring out what works for us and our brand of footy — which is a tough, selfless brand of footy.

“We’re all really buying into that, and if we keep building on that in this coming season, we’ll put our best foot forward to win games.”

Reigning best and fairest Jacob Weitering has taken on a coaching and mentoring role after suffering a high-grade calf strain last week which has put him in some doubt to play in Carlton’s opening clash with the Brisbane Lions on March 8.