Out-of-contract Carlton kingpin Tom De Koning called a meeting to seek clarity on Graham Wright’s vision for the club in a move that has heightened the Blues’ hopes the ruckman will turn his back on St Kilda’s mega offer to stay put at Ikon Park.
Club sources have confirmed that Wright and De Koning caught up in the office of outgoing CEO Brian Cook at the club last Friday.
Tom De Koning was in fine form against West Coast on Sunday.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
De Koning, according to industry sources who wanted to remain anonymous, wanted a sneak preview on the changes Wright is planning when he offically takes over as club boss in October.
Senior Carlton figures, including teammates, upon hearing of the meeting, believed it was a positive sign for the club that the star big man had not absolutely ruled out remaining in navy blue next year.
De Koning has been offered a staggering $1.7 million per season deal by St Kilda, in an initial seven-year offer pitched by Saints list manager Stephen Silvagni, who was the man who recruited him to the Blues at pick 30 in the 2017 national draft.
When contacted by this masthead, Wright preferred not to be quoted but confirmed Friday’s meeting. He said it was one of several he’s recently had with De Koning, among other players.
According to those close to him, De Koning loves Carlton. His best friends, including Sam Walsh and Charlie Curnow, are teammates and he enjoys regularly playing in front of the big Blues crowds.
But he also has an astute business brain and has found it difficult to ignore the staggering difference in salaries between the two offers (Carlton’s offer is about $700,000 per season less than St Kilda’s).
As of Monday night, senior St Kilda figures remained hopeful of securing De Koning’s signature but the celebratory champagne was far from being popped.
In his 90 games for Carlton, De Koning has played in just four finals, including his most recent one when he was mysteriously started as the substitute and the Blues conceded the first 60 points of the game.
Along with Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli, De Koning is seen as the most sought-after free agent in the competition.
His form in 2025 has him in the conversation for All-Australian selection, behind only Melbourne superstar Max Gawn.
Carlton is hoping for a decision from De Koning in the next month but privately concede it may not come until closer to the end of the home and away season.
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