St Kilda are reportedly prepared to make a substantial play for off-contract Carlton tall Tom De Koning, with a deal value close to seven years and $12 million potentially in the works.
De Koning is viewed as one of the best players still unsigned for 2026, making the Blues ruckman eligible for free agency at the cessation of the coming season.
North Melbourne ace Luke Davies-Uniacke, Brisbane stopper Brandon Starcevich, Fremantle gun Andrew Brayshaw and Eagles co-captain Oscar Allen are also among the names able to exercise their rights on the open market this coming off-season.
De Koning re-signed with the Blues in 2023 after reports of high levels of interest from rival clubs, with another looming contract call now expected to fetch even stronger external overtures.
According to SEN, the Saints are among the clubs most keen on De Koning and could be prepared to table a mouth-watering deal his way.
The report suggests St Kilda have indicated they could offer a $1.7 million per year contract to De Koning in the hopes of luring him to Moorabbin.
The estimated offer is expected to blow the Blues out of the water in a bidding war, with Carlton likely limited to a fee nearer the $1 million mark.
The Blues have successfully secured the long-term signatures of Charlie Curnow, Jacob Weitering, Harry McKay, Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh over the past several seasons, which places some strain on subsequent sizeable moves.

Carlton has key players Sam Docherty, George Hewett and Jack Silvagni eligible for free agency in 2025, while Brodie Kemp, Mitch McGovern, Jesse Motlop, Nic Newman and Alex Cincotta, among others, are also unsigned beyond the coming season.
The Blues recently locked in new deals for midfielder Adam Cerra (2030) and Adam Saad (2026) as the club continues to lock in its list under coach Michael Voss.
De Koning now firms as the next major piece in the puzzle, with the first-string ruckman likely needing to sacrifice a large sum to remain at Princes Park for the long haul.
The Saints' interest in De Koning comes as the club looks to make a splash in the off-season, given their reportedly ample salary cap flexibility.
The aforementioned Brayshaw and Davies-Uniacke are also viewed as potential targets for the Saints this year.