Latest news with #DeKoning
Sky News AU
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Sky News AU
AFL 2025: Carlton coach Michael Voss on Tom De Koning's contract call
Carlton coach Michael Voss says he's balancing his conversations with out-of-contract big man Tom De Koning between personal chats and knowing when to 'leave him alone' as he weighs up a multimillion-dollar offer from St Kilda. Voss has drafted in another ruckman, Marc Pittonet, to help De Koning out in Saturday's clash with North Melbourne, a game the 6-7 Blues have to win to remain in the hunt for finals. Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow is also a confirmed starter to tackle the Roos, having been subbed out of last week's win over West Coast with a calf niggle. But while the focus is on the now, Voss said he couldn't ignore the De Koning situation and while the 25-year-old wasn't being hassled by anyone at the club to make a decision, there had been conversations. The Saints have reportedly offered De Koning a $12m mega contract, a figure the Blues can't match. Voss said he had taken questions from De Koning on the club's future but never at any stage urged him to make a call. 'I reckon two years ago, we were sitting in the same situation – then he walked into my office one day and signed the next day,' Voss said on Friday. 'He'll make that decision whenever that is in due course. But I look at what he's providing us, the investment he has in our team and how much he loves his teammates … this is his team, and he sees himself as that. 'When we have these conversations, that's what we talk about – the team, how he's going to get better and what that looks like in the future. 'We're more than happy to have those he needs from me is the reinforcement of what he brings to the team, how important he is to us as a player and he'll continue to do so. 'The dialogue I have had with Tom is ongoing. We have had some more personal chats with that, but there's also knowing when to leave him alone and give him space to get on with playing football.' Voss said Curnow 'trained pretty much the whole session' on Friday and was expected to take his spot against the Kangaroos, and the Blues had a 'laser focus' on what's needed, with so much at stake. 'We're laser focused in on making sure we play well. We've got a system we want to play, we've been really proud of some aspects of our game that we're getting right,' he said. 'We're laying those foundations down, but we're also really clear on the things we need to be better at – that's where all our energy has been. We haven't shifted our focus, it's the next contest, it's the next team we play and that's North Melbourne. That's what gets our sole attention.' Originally published as Carlton coach Michael Voss reveals how he's handling the contract call for star big man Tom De Koning
7NEWS
10 hours ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Carlton coach Michael Voss shares insight into Tom De Koning negotiations
Carlton's in-demand ruckman Tom de Koning won't be pressured to deciding his future by Blues coach Michael Voss. De Koning is weighing an offer from St Kilda understood to be millions of dollars above the Blues' deal. The 25-year-old's decision has massive ramifications for the list planning at both clubs but Voss said he won't be rushing his ruck. 'He will make that decision whenever that is, in due course,' Voss told reporters on Friday. 'Look at what he's providing us, the investment he has in our team and how much he loves his teammates. 'He has grown up at this football club. This is his team and he sees himself as that. 'When we have these conversations, that's what we talk about - the team, how he's going to get better and what that looks like in the future.' De Koning is in midst of an eye-catching seventh season with the Blues, averaging career-best disposals, hit outs and clearances. And his duel with North Melbourne's Tristan Xerri, rated among the best big men in the business, will be pivotal to Saturday's MCG clash. The Roos enter the fixture with bad memories of their last-start against Carlton: an 82-point capitulation on Good Friday. But coach Alastair Clarkson now rates the defeat to the Blues as a turning point - since the April 18 loss, the Kangaroos have produced arguably their strongest stretch under him. There's been two wins, a draw against reigning premiers Brisbane, and the Roos have been in every game. 'That was the moment in the season where we recognised we just couldn't stop leaking goals,' Clarkson told reporters on Friday. 'It was a big stage for us, a big game for our club and the competition really, Good Friday is a marquee game. 'We had to make some changes.' Clarkson set about bolstering an all-ground defensive approach and the 20-year coach witnessed instant improvement. 'We have shown that we're on the right track,' he said. 'Just making sure we have got really strong synergy with the way we defend the oval. 'If we defend that oval well enough, it will give us opportunities for turnovers higher up the ground and allow us to perhaps be able to score better.' The Roos (three wins, one draw, nine losses) enter Saturday afternoon's MCG fixture knowing the importance of the result for Carlton's finals hopes. The Blues (six wins, seven losses) are within two victories of the top eight but without top talents Sam Walsh (foot) and Harry McKay (knee) for another month. Dual Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow has been named by Carlton despite carrying a calf complaint. 'We expect he'll play,' Voss said before a light match-eve training. 'The indication is as long as he pulls up well today, he's playing - fit and available.'
The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Carlton boss won't hassle big Blue over big call
Carlton's in-demand ruckman Tom de Koning won't be pressured to deciding his future by Blues coach Michael Voss. De Koning is weighing an offer from St Kilda understood to be millions of dollars above the Blues' deal. The 25-year-old's decision has massive ramifications for the list planning at both clubs but Voss said he won't be rushing his ruck. "He will make that decision whenever that is, in due course," Voss told reporters on Friday. "Look at what he's providing us, the investment he has in our team and how much he loves his teammates. "He has grown up at this football club. This is his team and he sees himself as that. "When we have these conversations, that's what we talk about - the team, how he's going to get better and what that looks like in the future." De Koning is in midst of an eye-catching seventh season with the Blues, averaging career-best disposals, hit outs and clearances. And his duel with North Melbourne's Tristan Xerri, rated among the best big men in the business, will be pivotal to Saturday's MCG clash. The Roos enter the fixture with bad memories of their last-start against Carlton: an 82-point capitulation on Good Friday. But coach Alastair Clarkson now rates the defeat to the Blues as a turning point - since the April 18 loss, the Kangaroos have produced arguably their strongest stretch under him. There's been two wins, a draw against reigning premiers Brisbane, and the Roos have been in every game. "That was the moment in the season where we recognised we just couldn't stop leaking goals," Clarkson told reporters on Friday. "It was a big stage for us, a big game for our club and the competition really, Good Friday is a marquee game. "We had to make some changes." Clarkson set about bolstering an all-ground defensive approach and the 20-year coach witnessed instant improvement. "We have shown that we're on the right track," he said. "Just making sure we have got really strong synergy with the way we defend the oval. "If we defend that oval well enough, it will give us opportunities for turnovers higher up the ground and allow us to perhaps be able to score better." The Roos (three wins, one draw, nine losses) enter Saturday afternoon's MCG fixture knowing the importance of the result for Carlton's finals hopes. The Blues (six wins, seven losses) are within two victories of the top eight but without top talents Sam Walsh (foot) and Harry McKay (knee) for another month. Dual Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow has been named by Carlton despite carrying a calf complaint. "We expect he'll play," Voss said before a light match-eve training. "The indication is as long as he pulls up well today, he's playing - fit and available." Carlton's in-demand ruckman Tom de Koning won't be pressured to deciding his future by Blues coach Michael Voss. De Koning is weighing an offer from St Kilda understood to be millions of dollars above the Blues' deal. The 25-year-old's decision has massive ramifications for the list planning at both clubs but Voss said he won't be rushing his ruck. "He will make that decision whenever that is, in due course," Voss told reporters on Friday. "Look at what he's providing us, the investment he has in our team and how much he loves his teammates. "He has grown up at this football club. This is his team and he sees himself as that. "When we have these conversations, that's what we talk about - the team, how he's going to get better and what that looks like in the future." De Koning is in midst of an eye-catching seventh season with the Blues, averaging career-best disposals, hit outs and clearances. And his duel with North Melbourne's Tristan Xerri, rated among the best big men in the business, will be pivotal to Saturday's MCG clash. The Roos enter the fixture with bad memories of their last-start against Carlton: an 82-point capitulation on Good Friday. But coach Alastair Clarkson now rates the defeat to the Blues as a turning point - since the April 18 loss, the Kangaroos have produced arguably their strongest stretch under him. There's been two wins, a draw against reigning premiers Brisbane, and the Roos have been in every game. "That was the moment in the season where we recognised we just couldn't stop leaking goals," Clarkson told reporters on Friday. "It was a big stage for us, a big game for our club and the competition really, Good Friday is a marquee game. "We had to make some changes." Clarkson set about bolstering an all-ground defensive approach and the 20-year coach witnessed instant improvement. "We have shown that we're on the right track," he said. "Just making sure we have got really strong synergy with the way we defend the oval. "If we defend that oval well enough, it will give us opportunities for turnovers higher up the ground and allow us to perhaps be able to score better." The Roos (three wins, one draw, nine losses) enter Saturday afternoon's MCG fixture knowing the importance of the result for Carlton's finals hopes. The Blues (six wins, seven losses) are within two victories of the top eight but without top talents Sam Walsh (foot) and Harry McKay (knee) for another month. Dual Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow has been named by Carlton despite carrying a calf complaint. "We expect he'll play," Voss said before a light match-eve training. "The indication is as long as he pulls up well today, he's playing - fit and available." Carlton's in-demand ruckman Tom de Koning won't be pressured to deciding his future by Blues coach Michael Voss. De Koning is weighing an offer from St Kilda understood to be millions of dollars above the Blues' deal. The 25-year-old's decision has massive ramifications for the list planning at both clubs but Voss said he won't be rushing his ruck. "He will make that decision whenever that is, in due course," Voss told reporters on Friday. "Look at what he's providing us, the investment he has in our team and how much he loves his teammates. "He has grown up at this football club. This is his team and he sees himself as that. "When we have these conversations, that's what we talk about - the team, how he's going to get better and what that looks like in the future." De Koning is in midst of an eye-catching seventh season with the Blues, averaging career-best disposals, hit outs and clearances. And his duel with North Melbourne's Tristan Xerri, rated among the best big men in the business, will be pivotal to Saturday's MCG clash. The Roos enter the fixture with bad memories of their last-start against Carlton: an 82-point capitulation on Good Friday. But coach Alastair Clarkson now rates the defeat to the Blues as a turning point - since the April 18 loss, the Kangaroos have produced arguably their strongest stretch under him. There's been two wins, a draw against reigning premiers Brisbane, and the Roos have been in every game. "That was the moment in the season where we recognised we just couldn't stop leaking goals," Clarkson told reporters on Friday. "It was a big stage for us, a big game for our club and the competition really, Good Friday is a marquee game. "We had to make some changes." Clarkson set about bolstering an all-ground defensive approach and the 20-year coach witnessed instant improvement. "We have shown that we're on the right track," he said. "Just making sure we have got really strong synergy with the way we defend the oval. "If we defend that oval well enough, it will give us opportunities for turnovers higher up the ground and allow us to perhaps be able to score better." The Roos (three wins, one draw, nine losses) enter Saturday afternoon's MCG fixture knowing the importance of the result for Carlton's finals hopes. The Blues (six wins, seven losses) are within two victories of the top eight but without top talents Sam Walsh (foot) and Harry McKay (knee) for another month. Dual Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow has been named by Carlton despite carrying a calf complaint. "We expect he'll play," Voss said before a light match-eve training. "The indication is as long as he pulls up well today, he's playing - fit and available."
Perth Now
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Carlton boss won't hassle big Blue over big call
Carlton's in-demand ruckman Tom de Koning won't be pressured to deciding his future by Blues coach Michael Voss. De Koning is weighing an offer from St Kilda understood to be millions of dollars above the Blues' deal. The 25-year-old's decision has massive ramifications for the list planning at both clubs but Voss said he won't be rushing his ruck. "He will make that decision whenever that is, in due course," Voss told reporters on Friday. "Look at what he's providing us, the investment he has in our team and how much he loves his teammates. "He has grown up at this football club. This is his team and he sees himself as that. "When we have these conversations, that's what we talk about - the team, how he's going to get better and what that looks like in the future." De Koning is in midst of an eye-catching seventh season with the Blues, averaging career-best disposals, hit outs and clearances. And his duel with North Melbourne's Tristan Xerri, rated among the best big men in the business, will be pivotal to Saturday's MCG clash. The Roos enter the fixture with bad memories of their last-start against Carlton: an 82-point capitulation on Good Friday. But coach Alastair Clarkson now rates the defeat to the Blues as a turning point - since the April 18 loss, the Kangaroos have produced arguably their strongest stretch under him. There's been two wins, a draw against reigning premiers Brisbane, and the Roos have been in every game. "That was the moment in the season where we recognised we just couldn't stop leaking goals," Clarkson told reporters on Friday. "It was a big stage for us, a big game for our club and the competition really, Good Friday is a marquee game. "We had to make some changes." Clarkson set about bolstering an all-ground defensive approach and the 20-year coach witnessed instant improvement. "We have shown that we're on the right track," he said. "Just making sure we have got really strong synergy with the way we defend the oval. "If we defend that oval well enough, it will give us opportunities for turnovers higher up the ground and allow us to perhaps be able to score better." The Roos (three wins, one draw, nine losses) enter Saturday afternoon's MCG fixture knowing the importance of the result for Carlton's finals hopes. The Blues (six wins, seven losses) are within two victories of the top eight but without top talents Sam Walsh (foot) and Harry McKay (knee) for another month. Dual Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow has been named by Carlton despite carrying a calf complaint. "We expect he'll play," Voss said before a light match-eve training. "The indication is as long as he pulls up well today, he's playing - fit and available."
The Age
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
Friends, finance or flag prospects? Inside Tom De Koning's life-changing decision
The value and prestige of being a one-club player at Carlton, not to mention being part of a drought-busting 17th premiership team, would be another consideration, though featuring in what would be a fabled and historic second flag for the success-starved Saints would also be an attractive proposition. Loading On-field roles Despite possessing a spring-heeled leap and being an excellent contested mark, De Koning is an out-and-out ruckman, not a forward. In 90 games across seven seasons, De Koning has kicked three goals or more just once. His shot at goal accuracy of 38.2 per cent places him 19th at the Blues of their 20 most prolific shots at goal since 2018. He has played almost exclusively in the ruck this year. There have not been any stints resting as a forward. In fact, he has been targeted inside Carlton's forward 50 metres just 10 times in 12 games. With Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay as the focal points, the Blues have less need for him. Nobody expects Rowan Marshall to remain at Moorabbin if De Koning signs, so he would likely be the clear No.1 ruck in the red, white and black. But the cloud hanging over Max King and their lack of proven key forwards will raise the temptation for the Saints to throw him forward. Club environment and lifestyle One of the early players drafted in the Blues' scorched-earth rebuild, De Koning is extremely popular among teammates. He is one of those players who is mates with everyone. His closest friends are Charlie Curnow, who, like De Koning, was recruited early in the Blues' painstaking rebuild, former Dandenong under-18s teammate Matt Cottrell and Adam Cerra. He surfs with skipper Patrick Cripps. Despite the Blues' troubles this year and the uncertainty over his future, he remains invested in the club, as seen by his stellar form that has him contending for his first Blues' best and fairest award. News that he sought a meeting with incoming chief Graham Wright in Brian Cook's office to discuss potential changes at the club has raised hopes at Ikon Park that he will choose friends over finance. A move to Moorabbin, away from the inner suburbs, would allow the Bayside boy to live closer to the where he grew up and be a shorter drive for a surf on the beaches of Mornington Peninsula, though many of his nine siblings now live on the other side of the bay on the Surf Coast. That he is yet to make a call on his future despite the size of the Saints' offer shows how tough it would be for him to leave. Who is closer to a flag? The general view of the list managers and recruiters contacted is that the Saints have better kids, and the Blues have stronger mature talent. One recruiter said both were equally doomed, which does not bode well for De Koning's hopes for success. Since 2021, the Saints have secured five top-20 picks to the Blues' two. Of the Blues' under-23s, half-back Ollie Hollands is the furthest advanced but is not an elite kick, and Jagga Smith has the highest ceiling but is yet to make his debut due to injury. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is already a star at St Kilda, Mitch Owens and Marcus Windhager have become senior regulars though have limitations, and it's far too early to draw conclusions on first-round picks Mattaes Phillipou, Darcy Wilson, Tobie Travaglia and Alix Tauru. The sources said if the Saints were to lose Wanganeen-Milera on top of Max King's continued unavailability with knee injuries would dramatically alter how St Kilda's list is viewed and how it would be compared to Carlton's. Can he handle being the face of the club? If De Koning leaves, he will be seen as the Saints' great hope. His signature would indicate to other recruiting targets that Moorabbin is a place to be. The expectations that come with being the highest-paid player at the club would, as one list manager put it, have his every step on the field be analysed on every talk show. Loading At Carlton, he would be one of several big names, shielded to an extent from saturation coverage by marquee stars Charlie Curnow, Jacob Weitering and Sam Walsh. As one recruiter put it, if De Koning does not want to be the face of the club, he should not leave. But what St Kilda can offer De Koning is the challenge of being the main man and a different environment which he can mould to his liking to have the success he has not had at Carlton. And if that doesn't work out? At least he'll have the cash.
