St Kilda is keen on reuniting the De Koning brothers at Moorabbin if ruckman Rowan Marshall leaves the club.
The Saints welcomed Tom De Koning last year, which caused a stir among the ruck brigade, as Marshall attempted to get to Geelong.
Contracted, St Kilda kept the mobile tall in the tri-colours, but are understood to be more open to a trade this time around.
Enter Sam De Koning.
The Cats are into Marshall once again, as well as free agents Zak Butters and Toby Greene.
Chris Scott has longed for a genuine ruckman, using makeshift men Mark Blicavs and Rhys Stanley for the better part of a decade.
Mitch Edwards is emerging as a handy footballer, but given Geelong is in the win-now window, they want someone to improve their list.
St Kilda had a crack last time at Sam when re-signed in March 2025. He is contracted for next year.
According to The Agenda Setters, the Saints don't want picks; they want players, and will continue their spending spree from last year, which landed them De Koning, Sam Flanders, Liam Ryan and Jack Silvagni.
The younger De Koning has established himself as a premier defender in the competition, helping Geelong to the 2022 premiership.
He has also played in the ruck, and could provide an option up forward if needed.
Collingwood premiership player and panellist Tom Mitchell suggested De Koning would assist Callum Wilkie and Jack Silvagni in defence, and posed whether a straight swap for Marshall would work.
“I think it probably helps Cal Wilkie, Jack Silvagni behind the ball,” Mitchell said.
“He takes intercept marks and can also defend, but he also plays second ruck from the back half. That's something that only Geelong really do, rucking from the back half. Not many teams do it, so he is flexible.
“I do wonder as well, could that be a straight swap, Marshall for De Koning? Could that happen? It doesn't happen often in footy.”
