Blues ruck Tom De Koning has given his most honest answer yet as to where his future lies, admitting he’s got a “huge” week ahead.
De Koning, who is yet to re-sign at Carlton, is widely tipped to have played his last game for the club with reports of a St Kilda deal worth around $1.7 million per season on the table in front of him.
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And as the in-demand big man celebrated game 100 in the 34-point win over Essendon on Thursday night, questions soon turned to where he’ll be in 2026.
“Yeah, obviously this week will be huge,” he told Fox Footy.
“There’s obviously a big decision and umm, yeah looking forward to getting to Bali and getting a surf in. And clearing the head after a big year.”
Three-time premiership Tiger Jack Riewoldt believes De Koning will be announcing his exit.
“A big week ahead for Tom De Koning. They go through their exit interviews now and that will be no doubt with Michael Voss, his line coach, Graham Wright potentially sitting in those interviews as well.
“They would definitely know what’s going on.
“I think the way it’s drawn out, the likelihood is he’s gonna be not at Carlton next year which is disappointing for Carlton if he does leave because he’s such a big figure.”
Carlton captain Patrick Cripps described De Koning as “a competitor” who he loves playing with.
“You couldn’t question the way he rocked up this year, or ever,” he said.
“And to play 100 games for any club is special so he gets a name on the locker. You know, he’s going to go down as a 100-game Carlton player forever.”
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De Koning said he had “mixed emotions” as the Blues’ season came to an end with nine wins for the year.
“It’s obviously been a tough year for the club so umm, yeah the emotions after a win are always good,” he said.
“To finish the season now is pretty disappointing without going into finals.
“Mixed emotions but yeah stoked the boys were able to rock up tonight.
“It was good to see Crippa, Walshy, George, those boys really impressed in there … it’s fun playing with them.”
Two-time premiership Roo David King said it was now up to De Koning it “handle it well” as he decides if his future is at the Blues or elsewhere like the Saints.
“The club has been brilliant for him – he’s been good for the club. But it’s a two-way street – got to handle yourself well if you are to exit,” he said.
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“So hopefully that’s done as quickly as possible really.
“I mean, Carlton fans have been on the edge of their seat for six to eight weeks. You need to know as a football club. You need to know as soon as possible if they don’t already know.
“So they may feel he’s gone – it just needs to be ticked off in the correct manner. It’s going to leave a hole.”
De Koning finished game 100, and potentially his last for the Blues, with 15 disposals, 16 hit-outs, four clearances and five marks.
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