Carlton coach Michael Voss says a frustrating stint on the sidelines will not change Tom De Koning’s mind on where he plays next season.
The 23-year-old ruckman, who is uncontracted beyond the 2023 season, has been the subject of unfair assumptions, according to Voss, who says he is on the same page as Carlton’s coaching staff with what is required of him on the field.
De Koning suffered a concussion in the VFL last weekend after he was unable to break into the senior side following a “rest” the week before and has entered the league’s concussion protocols.
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Voss said the situation regarding the young tall was “clearly not ideal”, but it would not have any bearing on where he wanted to play next season.
De Koning has been linked to St Kilda where former Blue Stephen Silvagni is list manager, while there is speculation Geelong could also make a play for the local product and brother of key defender Sam De Koning.
“He would ideally like to be playing and stating his case but has to wait a week for that to happen,” Voss said.
“We don’t want to lose any player (to concussion), but you manage what’s in front of you and three weeks ago, we felt like he needed to be able to get that rest, and you can never quite predict if a concussion is going to come along.
“There’s a lot of assumptions and conclusions that have been drawn about Tom, but the reality is I think that’s underestimating the professionalism of the player and the professionalism of our football club.”
Voss said the Blues would support De Koning’s wishes to try to string together consistent quality performances before he explores a new contract.
“Tom is really professional in what he wants to do, there’s things he needs to develop in his game … and he’s absolutely aware of that. I guess our job as a football club is to ensure we’re creating the right environment,” he said.
“And the right environment is to challenge where we need to challenge, and there’s a fight for spots … he’s up for that, he wants to get the best out of himself and we’re there to support him.”
Voss said Jesse Motlop was a certainty to make his return from suspension on Friday night against Brisbane, while fellow small forward Matt Owies is in the frame after recovering from a hamstring injury.
“(Motlop) will come in, he’s been a really valuable player to us, obviously (Owies) has spent a little bit more time out so there’s a bit more to consider on what we do there,” he said.
“If anything, Mots has gone out for a week and it’s given him a chance to freshen up, and hopefully he can bring that energy for us that we’ll need in the front half.”
— NCA Newswire
