Carlton Coach Hopes Tom De Koning Will Stay Amid Off-Season Speculation
Carlton coach Michael Voss is keeping his fingers crossed as the off-season approaches, waiting on news about star ruck Tom De Koning. The AFL community has been buzzing with speculation that De Koning could be heading across town to St Kilda via free agency. Now, as Carlton’s 2025 season wraps up, the decision is expected to be made soon, and everyone at the club is holding their breath.
Voss has spoken openly about his hopes, though he admits that the news may not be what the Blues want to hear. “When you wait this long, you know, we're not hoping for the best of news, we’re holding onto that hope that he's going to be here,” he said. Throughout the season, De Koning’s dedication and performance have been praised by the coach, who has consistently emphasized clarity about expectations and the kind of player De Koning wants to be.
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If De Koning does decide to leave, Voss is prepared to move on, confident that Carlton will find a way to cover the gap. “If he does leave it'll be disappointing, but it'll be a next man up and we'll keep moving on as a football club,” Voss said. He stressed that while individual players come and go, the club’s momentum and culture are what endure over time.
The Blues finished the season with back-to-back wins, including a 54-point victory over Port Adelaide and a 34-point win against Essendon, bringing their season tally to nine wins. While Voss doesn’t want these victories to define the future, he recognizes the importance of giving younger players a chance to grow. Ruck/forward Hudson O'Keeffe and key defender Harry O'Farrell are among those who earned opportunities this season, and they’re seen as critical to Carlton’s future.
Meanwhile, Essendon’s season ended on a more challenging note. The Bombers have struggled with injuries, including the late withdrawal of key defender Jayden Laverde and midfielder Sam Durham. Despite this, captain Zach Merrett continued to play through a broken hand, demonstrating his signature resilience, even though his impact on the game was limited by the injury.
Essendon coach Brad Scott highlighted the uncertainty around the squad heading into next season. He also discussed conversations with Dylan Shiel, who has been told that a guaranteed position on the team next year cannot be promised. Nevertheless, Shiel has been commended for his attitude and understanding of the club’s current situation.
As the off-season approaches, Carlton hopes to build on the foundations laid in 2025, with the development of young talent and the potential retention of a key player like Tom De Koning at the forefront of their planning. For the Blues and their supporters, the next few weeks will be pivotal in shaping the team for 2026 and beyond.
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