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Live sport on SN this weekendWhispers out of Carlton suggest growing confidence in re-signing De Koning
SEN • February 19th, 2025 7:33 pm
While Carlton’s Tom De Koning is refusing to put a timeline on his free agency decision, confidence is growing at Ikon Park about the ruckman re-signing with the Blues according to SEN’s Sam Edmund.
As things stand, the 25-year-old has reportedly been tabled seven-year deals by both Carlton and St Kilda, with the offer from the Saints believed to be worth more than $1.5 million a season.
While the money might be bigger to leave Carlton, AFL.com.au reported on Monday that the Blues’ offer is also expected to be worth more than $1 million a season, leaving De Koning with a lot to weigh up.
Speaking at AusKick’s 30th birthday celebration at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday, De Koning said he was “definitely was definitely not setting a timeline” on his call, adding that he’s happy where things currently sit between his manager and the club, with all of his focus on playing his role in 2025.
Even though that decision isn’t expected to come anytime soon, Edmund believes that Carlton thinks they can keep De Koning at the club despite huge offers no doubt turning his head.
“As we've mentioned many times he sits at least at the start of this year as one of the most in-demand free agents in the game,” Edmund told SEN Afternoons.
“Given the fact he comes for nothing in a trade sense via free agency, there's an enormous value put on the Blues big man.
“He's got a huge offer to stay at Carlton, but it’s also been made clear to him that he's got a bigger, potentially life-changing offer to leave to a club like St Kilda.
“Nothing's certain until it's certain, but just some of the whispers and murmurs out of that footy club is that they are very, very confident they can keep Tom De Koning on a new deal down there.”
De Koning and the Blues kick off their 2025 season with a Round 1 clash against Richmond at the MCG on Thursday, March 13.
