Carlton players might be teasing star ruckman Tom De Koning about his future but are in no illusion that they'd love to keep him at the club.
De Koning is in the midst of his biggest contract decision of his career, with rivals such as St Kilda pondering whether to hand him a cheque around $12 million for seven seasons.
Blues forward Zac Williams went through the process himself, signing a monster six-year deal worth around $900,000 a year at the end of 2020 to pry him out of the Giants.
Leaning on his own experience, Williams understood the gravity of the decision, saying De Koning will be given the space to work through it despite his teammates' eagerness to retain him.
"For me, it was a long process. I was still going through all that stuff during Covid. I was away from family and stuff like that," Williams said on Monday.
"It is a big decision, but at the same time Tom loves it here at the club and he knows that all the boys and all the staff here love him as well.
"That'll just work itself out through the year and I think Tom's just looking forward to starting the season and playing some good football."
It is understood that Carlton has put forward a new deal that extends well beyond 2025.
De Koning has provided every inkling that he'll remain in the Navy Blue, saying he's keen to repay the club that drafted him in 2017.
"Look, that'll be between my manager and the club," De Koning said.
"My main focus is my role for the team and listening to what 'Vossy' (coachย Michael Voss) and the coaches have to say for me.
"The rest will take care of itself when it happens.
"I love it here. Growing up playing with a bunch of these boys since I got drafted and we've all kind of stuck together.
"Really loving my footy, playing my footy with them and the more games that we play together, I feel like the more cohesion we get."
After being shifted from Opening Round, the Blues return to their traditional Thursday night blockbuster to kick off their new campaign against Richmond.
De Koning will be a central piece to Carlton's premiership chances, as will Charlie Curnow.
The two-time Coleman medallist is being treated cautiously following an interrupted pre-season, but is on track to feature in Round 2 against Hawthorn.
Coach Michael Voss also confirmed new faces Nick Haynes and Lucas Camporeale will feature against the Tigers.
