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Sport Nation
Trade talk: Why De Koning exit could a Blues blessing
Andrew Slevison • May 26th, 2025 10:33 am
Carlton could benefit greatly if Tom De Koning leaves the club for St Kilda.
The 25-year-old ruckman is weighing up a lucrative offer from the Saints believed to be worth around $12.5 million over seven years.
In the eyes of Kane Cornes, if could be a blessing for the Blues if De Koning takes the money and runs as it will land them a first-round draft pick through compensation.
The Blues traded away this year’s first-rounder to get Jagga Smith last year and Cornes believes a top-end pick would be invaluable for the struggling club.
“The De Koning thing might be a blessing for them in the end,” Cornes said on SEN’s Fireball.
“Because what else are they going to do with no first-round draft pick, other than to trade him out, get one in, free up some room and be a bit creative with your list.”
Cornes also momentarily touched on a possible trade for Harry McKay which continues to bubble along in the background.
“And Harry's the other one, which comes up from time to time,” Cornes added.
Before co-host David King chimed in: “The surplus of needs forward for the ball.
“The game is not really demanding you have three tall forwards of note.
“They’ve got holes elsewhere.”
The Blues were beaten by GWS by 28 points at Marvel Stadium on Saturday which has them sitting 12th on the ladder with a 4-7 record.
De Koning had 25 hit outs and 17 disposals in the loss, while McKay had 18 touches but was kept goalless.
Carlton has the bye in Round 12 before returning for the Sunday night King’s Birthday eve clash with Essendon at the MCG on June 8.
