Carlton ruck-forward Tom De Koning has rejected robust curiosity from rival AFL golf equipment to signal a brand new two-year contract with the Blues.
The deal will maintain the 24-year-old at Ikon Park till the tip of 2025.
De Koning had been within the sights of Sydney, St Kilda and Geelong, along with his brother Sam a part of the Cats’ premiership final season.
But De Koning stated the folks and atmosphere at Carlton had led to his choice to remain put.
“This football club gives you everything you need as a player in that regard,” De Koning stated in a membership assertion.
“The relationships I have with my teammates are special. I don’t take them for granted.
“I get to placed on a Carlton jumper with my mates and run out in entrance of an unimaginable fan base each single week.
“You couldn’t ask for anything more than that.”
A second-round draft decide in 2017, De Koning has performed 52 video games for Carlton.
He was not noted of the Blues’ group earlier this season however coach Michael Voss has been impressed with De Koning’s current turnaround in type.
He has been a key contributor over the past fortnight as Carlton have prolonged their successful streak to 5 matches, reviving their finals hopes forward of Friday night time’s blockbuster conflict with Collingwood on the MCG.
“What I’m really pleased with is that he’s playing some really good footy,” Voss stated.
“He’s been able to get himself up as a ruck and the last couple of weeks has been really good.
“What we ask of him is to increase that into some ahead line craft and that may simply develop out his sport and make it even stronger.”
De Koning has at times shared ruck duties with Marc Pittonet, who has overcome a knee injury and will return to the senior side this week.
Pittonet’s presence means De Koning will spend more time in attack as cover for injured key forward Harry McKay (knee) against the Magpies.
“Having that mixture again (with Pittonet) is necessary to us,” Voss stated.
“It will likely be necessary for us now and it will likely be necessary for us shifting ahead.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
