Carlton coach Michael Voss is assured axed big-man Tom de Koning might be again within the staff “pretty soon” after confirming he was ignored for the conflict with West Coast on type causes.
The 23-year-old is out of contract on the finish of this season and looms as one of many AFL’s most sought-after gamers.
Having been unnoticed of the earlier week’s loss to St Kilda as a result of he was, in accordance with Voss, a bit “banged up”, De Koning will play within the VFL, not in Perth.
But Voss mentioned the rising star is aware of precisely the place he stands and anticipated him to be again within the senior aspect sooner somewhat than later.
“It’s nothing but (form). We’ve got to look at the list profile and the skill sets we need and we have to be able to balance that up with what we need to get from him,” Voss mentioned on Friday.
“He’s pretty clear on what he needs to go back and work on. He’s a bit banged up last week, so we gave him a rest. He obviously gets to go back to the VFL to work on his game.
“But he’s a pretty important person to us so I’d imagine he’ll be back ion the team pretty soon.”
Voss mentioned De Koning was “absolutely” in Carlton’s long-term plans and scoffed at a suggestion his axing may impression any ongoing contract talks.
“I wouldn’t have thought so, it doesn’t work that way,” he mentioned.
Carlton are short-priced favourites to get a fourth win for the season towards the injury-hit Eagles however Voss mentioned any ideas his aspect ought to stroll over the house staff have been misplaced.
“We don’t think like that,” he mentioned.
“That maybe something people will speculate on and put their projections in on which games we should win. But we have an expectation on the way we want to play.”
Voss additionally referred to as star defender Jacob Weitering “courageous” for coming ahead and telling his story about shedding his life-savings to scammers.
The Carlton coach mentioned it couldn’t solely assist others, however was an instance of the type of off-field challenges AFL gamers can face.
“He’s been amazing with the way that he handled himself and I think he’s been incredibly courageous with the way he has come out and told his story for the benefit of others” Voss mentioned.
“If he can share his story, hopefully it raises awareness.
“He’s been quietly dealing with it in the background and it probably shows you what some of these guys go through and are dealing with they still have a life and some challenges to overcome.”
Originally printed as Carlton coach Michael Voss explains choice to axe younger ruckman Tom De Koning
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
