“It’ll be next man up”: Carlton coach on $12 million star’s potential exit

Carlton rounded out their disappointing 2025 campaign with their first win in the final round of a season since 2013, defeating the Bombers by 34 points in a gruelling contest at the MCG on Thursday night.

However, the bigger story following the game continues to centre around the uncertain future of Tom De Koning, Carlton's star ruck, who remains uncommitted to the club entering the off-season, despite having a contract offer on the table from the Blues.

De Koning, who played his 100th senior game on Thursday, has been weighing up an enormous offer from St Kilda, who reportedly could pay him $12 million over seven years. Many pundits have argued the decision has affected his play, with the 26-year-old failing to record at least 20 disposals since Round 14 and losing the hitouts battle on Thursday night to the 37-year-old Todd Goldstein (18-16).

Fox Footy's Jon Ralph shared vision of De Koning addressing his teammates following the win and could be heard saying "all the best" at the conclusion of his speech.

TDK gets his name on the No.12 locker after 100 games. The whole De Koning clan is here (and sledging him). A surreal moment after playing what is now expected to be his last game for the Blues. Brad Lloyd also given a send off by Jacob Weitering @FOXFOOTY pic.twitter.com/YwdruT8sUz

— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) August 21, 2025

However, Carlton senior coach Michael Voss remains hopeful that De Koning will re-sign with the Blues, but acknowledges that the lack of commitment at this stage of the season is not ideal.

"When you wait this long, you know, we're not hoping for the best of news, we're holding onto that hope that he's going to be here," Voss said post-game.

"And I can't fault 'TDK', I mean, across the whole year, what he's done across the whole year. All I wanted to be was just really clear with him about what my expectations about him were, and the type of player that he wanted to be."

While unsure of De Koning's plans, Voss admitted the possibility of his departure, but believes Carlton can fill his void for 2026 and beyond if he moves clubs.

"If he does leave, it'll be disappointing, but it'll be next man up and we'll keep moving on as a football club," Voss said.

"One thing I've learned about this game is that people come and go, but the club keeps going, and one man goes out, another comes in, and we keep going."