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Carlton confirmation: TDK to make St Kilda move
Andrew Slevison • August 27th, 2025 2:23 pm
Carlton has confirmed that Tom De Koning will leave the club for St Kilda this trade period.
The 26-year-old ruckman will depart the Blues as a restricted free agent and take up a lucrative offer at the Saints.
De Koning insists it was a very tricky decision to leave the Blues after eight years and 100 games.
“To be really honest, this has been the toughest decision I have ever had to make, leaving a club I’ve loved being part of over the last eight years, with friendships I will take with me for the rest of my life,” De Koning said in a club statement.
“In the end I have made a decision that is best for me, but I just really want to take this opportunity to thank the entire Carlton community who has embraced me since I was drafted – in particular the Cheersquad, who have sponsored me and been an amazing support.”
The club’s list boss, Nick Austin, admitted that the reared $1.8 million over eight years is not money the Blues can compete with.
“While we would have obviously loved to have retained Tom, the contract offer that we understand he has been presented with is not one we are prepared to match,” Austin said.
“Ultimately the best interests of the football club come first and remains at the centre of every decision we make in regards to our list management.
“Tom and his management have been nothing but professional throughout this process, and while it is disappointing to see Tom depart, we will now look to maximise the flexibility that now exists within our playing list as we move into the off-season period.”
De Koning will officially join the Saints when free agency opens on October 3.
