Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps says the Blues will not rush gifted ruck-forward Tom De Koning into making a name on his future, amid hypothesis the 23-year-old may area big-money gives from rival golf equipment together with Sydney when his contract expires at season’s finish.
“I’m big on this. I just allow players to (make these decisions) in their own time,” Cripps instructed reporters on the AFL captains day at Marvel Stadium on Thursday.
“We love him as a player and love him as bloke, and will try to support him, but he’ll make the decision when the time is right for him.
“I used to be the identical. When I signed my final contract I did not do it till the center of the 12 months. They’re massive life decisions.”
Cripps wouldn’t comment on the likelihood of the athletic big man staying at Ikon Park beyond 2023, but said he’s hoping De Koning can form a powerful combination working with ruckman Marc Pittonet this season.
“If you have a look at our early rounds final 12 months, they each performed and performed actually good footy collectively,” Cripps stated.
“Obviously they did not play numerous footy collectively due to accidents, however the higher connection they construct collectively, the higher we’ll be.”
It remains to be seen how De Koning will split his time between the ruck and forward line, where he provides a dangerous third tall option alongside Coleman Medallists Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay.
“There are numerous completely different mixes we will throw … so that you by no means know, every sport may very well be completely different,” Cripps added.
“It’s about all of the completely different levers you’ll be able to pull. We speak about having a squad mentality. You need to have depth in your squad and completely different roles that individuals can play.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
