Carlton coach Michael Voss says there's nothing disingenuous about Tom De Koning's full forward role, despite his heavy links to St Kilda.
On Thursday at Marvel Stadium, De Koning was largely stationed as the Blues' deepest forward, as Voss opted to utilise Marc Pittonet through the ruck, which drew questions regarding his uncertain future.
According to WheeloRatings, the wantaway star spent a measly 22 per cent of time at centre bounces, with Pittonet shouldering the majority of the load. Last week, he spent only 39 per cent, which is down on his season average of 69 per cent (which was 74 per cent before the past fortnight).
Yet Voss refused to say it had anything to do with the Saints' pursuit.
"No, it's pretty black and white for us. I think you read well and truly too much into it. So I don't tend to play in that sort of area. We need a role filled forward of the ball at the moment," Voss said.
"We're challenged with some talls right now and Pitto's in great form, so he deserves to be in the team. So we need some tall timber forward of the ball that can draw the footy.
"There's a need to have Tom there at the moment. So that's the role we're asking him to play. Just make it black and white. You don't need to read into it too much more than that."
"I can't stand the Bronx cheer. I can't stand it."
🗣️ @kanecornes on Tom De Koning receiving Bronx cheers from Carlton fans | #AFLBluesLions pic.twitter.com/E2zXpdXViC
— 7AFL (@7AFL) July 10, 2025
De Koning only fired one shot at goal and took three marks for the evening.
Despite the 37-point loss, the Blues will need to replace the injured Orazio Fantasia, while swingman Mitch McGovern will be a watch throughout the week.
Fantasia was subbed from the game during the third term after footage showed he clutched his right hamstring while he was chased, and he continues his wretched soft-tissue injury run.
However, the news for McGovern is seemingly better, according to the Blues coach, but he will be sent for scans on his hamstring.
Orazio Fantasia has been subbed out of the game after this passage.#AFLBluesLions pic.twitter.com/GzfWNirx9R
— AFL (@AFL) July 10, 2025
"He (McGovern) had some awareness, but it was like in the last five minutes. So it was probably more just, you know, what's the point of putting him back out there?" Voss said.
"So we're more cautious. But like all these, I always tend to hold that opinion until we get the scans back on Monday."
Carlton will host Melbourne next Saturday before a difficult three-week block against top-nine sides.
