AFL Grand Final: Carlton ruck Tom De Koning ‘a little envious’ of his brother Sam’s premiership with Geelong

Carlton ruck Tom De Koning has declared his brother Sam ‘one of the competition’s best defenders’ after the Cat won his first flag.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Sam De Koning, Joel Selwood and Jeremy Cameron of the Cats are seen during the 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 24, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Carlton ruck Tom De Koning said he was “a little envious but very proud” as he sat in the front row of the MCG to watch his brother Sam win his first premiership.

The rising star of the Cats put on a show in front of more than 100,000 spectators, collecting 16 disposals and seven marks in the 81-point demolition against the Swans.

Tom said he “couldn’t be prouder” of his younger brother.

“In the days leading up to this game I was really excited for him, and this morning when I woke up I couldn’t shake that feeling of excitement,” he said.

Sam De Koning (left) and Joel Selwood celebrate their first and fourth premierships. Picture: Michael Willson

“As I started to go through my morning I started to get more nervous going into the game, but to have them build such a good lead at half time just really helped settle it.

“So I was able to sit back and enjoy the boys coming home and getting the win.

“It’s amazing to see, just having the whole family here to support him is awesome.

“It’s been such a good finals campaign for the Cats, so for them to get the win today is so great, I couldn’t be prouder.”

De Koning had a moment to savour in the final quarter, sneaking forward to kick his first goal in the AFL.

Sam De Koning celebrates with family and friends after the game. Picture: Daniel Pockett

Tom said he did not expect “one of the competition’s best defenders” to get on the scoresheet.

“I shed a few tears sitting in the front row with my whole family, so that was a pretty special experience for me,” he said.

“It’s something you can’t even picture until you’re there, first goal and such a good goal.

“He’s obviously got the talent, he got put down back this year and he looked so comfortable down there.

“If he’s this good at 20, imagine how good he’s going to be at 25.

2022 AFL Grand Final between the Geelong Cats and Sydney Swans at the MCG. Sam De Koning presents to the fans. Picture: Mark Stewart

“You don’t need to kick too many goals when you stop them the way he does, he’s going to have an awesome career.”

Sam said it was a “special moment” to celebrate with his family.

“I’m a pretty nervous type, I didn’t really want to celebrate until pretty much the very end,” he said.

“It’s a really special moment to have the family here as well,

“I’ve got no advice for Tom, he’s my older brother, I watched his first game when I was 16 and idolised him a bit.

Cats post-GF family day at St Mary's Oval, Kardinia Park. Sam De Koning. Picture: Mike Dugdale

“It was against the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium and I remember thinking ‘this is what I want to do’.

“I think he might be pretty jealous watching like I was during his first game,

“Hopefully I’ve given him a bit of inspiration to win his own.

“I always say to him that he should come down to Geelong, the lifestyle is so good but he’s his own man, he loves Carlton and he’s his own person.”

Originally published as AFL Grand Final: Carlton ruck Tom De Koning ‘a little envious’ of his brother Sam’s premiership with Geelong