Carlton’s Tom De Koning coy on playing future with no new deal signed

Consistency is the big goal for Carlton big-man Tom De Koning ahead of a big contract decision before he potentially becomes one of the most sought-after free agents in the AFL at the end of the 2025 season.

The 25-year-old, who only signed a two-year extension rather than a long-term deal in 2023, could received life-changing offers from potential suitors that could be hard for the Blues to match.

But he’s shutting down any thoughts about his future, even refusing to put a timeline on any potential decision, declaring he has unfinished business with the core group of Carlton players who have “stuck together” and helped power the Blues back into premiership contenders.

“I’ve grown up playing with a bunch of these boys since I got drafted and we’ve stuck together and grown up in the club together, and I’m really loving my footy with them,” he said from the club’s pre-season camp in Queensland.

“The more games we play together, the more cohesion we get.”

As for potentially playing with his brother, Geelong defender Sam, De Koning was clear.

“Not while he’s at a different club,” he said.

De Koning said he was not getting lost in thinking about his future, conscious of staying in the present, a key part of coach Michael Voss’ philosophy for success.

“My main focus is playing my role for the team, listening to what Vossy and the coaches have to say for me and the rest will take care of itself when it happens,” he said.

“I love it here.”

 

Having endured a stint in the VFL in 2023 before playing 18 AFL games in 2024, De Koning has clear aims to get the best out of himself in 2025.

“I just want to have a consistent season,” he said.

“I think previously I’ve fluctuated through the season and I’ll have a few good games then drop off a bit, so for me, keeping that consistency each game, playing my role for the team and going from there.

“Hopefully, that’ll take care of the result for the rest of the team. I know what my role is now and hopefully that will help the team.”

Carlton wad bundled out of the finals by the Brisbane Lions for the second straight season but the 28-point elimination final loss to the eventual premiers hasn’t dampened expectations of going further next season.

“If you don’t think that, then what are you thinking?,” he said

“We take it one week at a time here. That’s a long way away and that will take care of itself when it happens. We’re focusing on this camp now and how we can improve and go from there.”