Out-of-contract Carlton ruckman Tom De Koning has provided insight into the current landscape of his negotiations with the Blues, as the star tall weighs up a decision to re-sign or move to St Kilda, who have reportedly offered him one of the most lucrative deals in AFL history.
De Koning has been one of the premier ruckmen in the competition this season, forging his case for a maiden All-Australian blazer, while leading the charge for Carlton as they begin to gradually turn the tide from a shock 0-4 start to the 2025 AFL season.
However, reports on De Koning's future have continued, and will continue, to persist as the 204cm Blue holds off discussions about a new deal at his current team.
The Carlton ruckman broke his silence on Wednesday in an interview with Dwayne Russell on SEN, with multiple questions attempting to dig for an answer surrounding De Koning's future beyond 2025.
De Koning initially explained the reason behind holding off on contract talks, stating a turn to put his full focus on on-field performances was the driving factor behind stalling negotiations.
"I think it's something that, for me, I'm focusing, at the moment, on just playing my best footy for the team. And as a team, we're trying to bring that consistent footy and we probably haven't brought that to begin the year, so that's where all my energy's going," De Koning said.
"All that other stuff's playing out in the background... I'm just kind of focusing on my football, all the other stuff's between club and manager.
"I'm not putting a timeline on it. As I said, we're comfortable with where everything sits. That'll happen when it happens."
Speaking on his career goals and the importance of financial security, which could be indicative of which way De Koning leans given the recent history of Carlton and St Kilda's on-field results and the Saints' salary cap availability, the star ruckman admitted he dreamed of winning a premiership, like his brother Sam did at Geelong in 2022.
"Oh, I'd absolutely love (to win a premiership). I've seen my brother play in a flag, so that'd be a dream.
"I haven't thought too deeply about that to be honest (on money). I guess I'm in the same position as a lot of other players, and I've put myself in this position. So whatever gets offered, gets offered.
"We've had those negotiations between the club and my manager, kind of letting them let that play out, but (my) first focus is on my footy."
"I love the group, I feel like I've grown up with this group pretty much, players like Walshy and Crippa like they've all been here since I've started, and we've got that real synergy, so yeah, love playing with those players.
"Absolutely loving the journey. I've been here eight years now. It's something everyone always says, how quickly an AFL career goes, but I'm definitely feeling it now.
"I feel kind of like I'm getting a bit older now, eight years. So it's a bit different, but this group that I've been playing with, I'm loving the connection we've been able to build, and hopefully we can bring that consistency throughout the back end of this season."
De Koning also flirted with the notion of linking up with his brother Sam, potentially joining a local club down the coast in the future.
"Maybe one day down at the Surf Coast, Suns or something like that, Torquay Tigers. But hopefully that's a long way from now."
The Blues will take on St Kilda on Friday night at Marvel Stadium.
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