Carlton coach Michael Voss says Tom De Koning might want to combat for his spot within the Blues’ AFL staff when he returns from concussion, regardless of profitable provides elsewhere for the in-demand younger gun.
De Koning is out of contract at season’s finish with Sydney and St Kilda amongst golf equipment linked to a swoop for the 23-year-old.
Voss was adamant De Koning’s current omission would not have any bearing on his resolution on his future, and that the ruckman knew what was anticipated of him to return to Carlton’s high brass.
“There’s a lot of assumptions and conclusions have been drawn about Tom,” Voss stated.
“Tom is really professional in what he wants to be able to do. There are things he needs to develop in his game.
“We have these conversations on a regular basis round what he wants to have the ability to develop. He’s completely conscious of that.
“These conversations are happening over the course of since pre-season started. But I also don’t think we should stick our head in the sand either.”
Voss stated the Blues would offer the assist De Koning wanted as he competed with Marc Pittonet to be first-choice ruckman.
“The right environment is to challenge where we need to challenge and there’s a fight for spots,” he stated.
“I haven’t seen him not be up for that fight. He’s up for that.”
De Koning was “managed” towards St Kilda, after which performed VFL as a substitute of going through West Coast on the weekend.
The ruck will miss a 3rd consecutive AFL sport after he was concussed within the VFL.
“He’d ideally like to be playing and stating his case but obviously has to wait a week for that to happen,” Voss stated.
“It’s not ideal. We don’t want to lose any player under those circumstances, but you manage what’s in front of you.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
