Amid ongoing speculation, ruckman Tom De Koning has informed Carlton that he will be exercising his free agency rights and joining St Kilda in the upcoming off-season.
The move has long been anticipated, given the discrepancy in the contracts offered.
"The club understands that the significant size of the deal presented by St Kilda is not one the club is prepared to match," a statement from the Blues said.
De Koning played 100 games for Carlton, reaching the milestone in the last match of the 2025 season.
He was initially drafted with Pick 30 in the 2017 National Draft and has emerged as one of the competition's exciting talls.
"To be really honest, this has been the toughest decision I have ever had to make, leaving a club I've loved being part of over the last eight years, with friendships I will take with me for the rest of my life," De Koning said.
"In the end, I have made a decision that is best for me, but I just really want to take this opportunity to thank the entire Carlton community who has embraced me since I was drafted – in particular the cheersquad, who have sponsored me and been an amazing support."
Carlton Head of List Management Nick Austin expressed the club's disappointment in seeing De Koning depart, but was committed to looking forward to the opportunity now presented.
"While we would have obviously loved to have retained Tom, the contract offer that we understand he has been presented with is not one we are prepared to match,” Austin said.
"Ultimately, the best interests of the football club come first and remain at the centre of every decision we make in regards to our list management.
"Tom and his management have been nothing but professional throughout this process, and while it is disappointing to see Tom depart, we will now look to maximise the flexibility that now exists within our playing list as we move into the off-season period."
Carlton has also been informed that unrestricted free agent Jack Silvagni will exercise his free agency rights, with Collingwood, Essendon, and the Western Bulldogs circling.
Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow is also a player of interest, despite being contracted until the end of 2029.
Gold Coast, Geelong and Sydney pose as the likeliest destinations, with the latter seen as a frontrunner if Curnow were to depart.
It is understood that the Blues have ruckmen Ned Reeves (Hawthorn) and Liam Reidy (Fremantle) in their sights, as well as Bulldogs utility Buku Khamis.
St Kilda's David Misson released this statement:
"We're very pleased that Tom has nominated St Kilda as the club where he wishes to continue his career.
"As Tom is a restricted free agent, Carlton will have the opportunity to match our offer once formally submitted. That is part of the process and something we are fully respectful of.
"With the official player movement period still several weeks away, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."
