Tom De Koning tells Carlton he wants to exercise his free agency rights, eight-year St Kilda deal looms

One of the most anticipated AFL player departures of 2025 is official, with star free agent Tom De Koning telling Carlton he wants out.

The Blues on Wednesday confirmed De Koning, 26, had informed the club of his desire to exercise his free agency rights — a call that has been widely tipped for months.

It’s expected De Koning will sign with St Kilda, which has offered the ruck a multimillion-dollar eight-year contract. And the Blues have declare they’re not “prepared to match” any rival club offer.

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“To be really honest, this has been the toughest decision I have ever had to make, leaving a club I’ve loved being part of over the last eight years, with friendships I will take with me for the rest of my life,” De Koning said in a Carlton statement.

“In the end I have made a decision that is best for me, but I just really want to take this opportunity to thank the entire Carlton community who has embraced me since I was drafted – in particular the Cheersquad, who have sponsored me and been an amazing support.”

Tom De Koning of the Blues. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

De Koning’s ‘restricted’ free agency status means Carlton can match any rival club offer for him. Yet the Blues have already confirmed they won’t match the offer and will instead accept the free agency compensation pick, which will almost certainly land in the first round.

“While we would have obviously loved to have retained Tom, the contract offer that we understand he has been presented with is not one we are prepared to match,” Blues list boss Nick Austin said.

“Ultimately the best interests of the football club come first and remains at the centre of every decision we make in regards to our list management.

“Tom and his management have been nothing but professional throughout this process, and while it is disappointing to see Tom depart, we will now look to maximise the flexibility that now exists within our playing list as we move into the off-season period.”

De Koning played 100 games for Carlton after being taken with Pick 30 in the 2017 draft.

The Saints for years have desperately tried to lure big fish to Moorabbin, only to miss out on the likes of Finn Callaghan, Luke Davies-Uniacke and Miles Bergman over the past 12 months alone.

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Responding to De Koning’s official request for a new start away from Ikon Park, St Kilda General Manager of Football David Misson spoke via a club statement.

“We’re very pleased that Tom has nominated St Kilda as the club where he wishes to continue his career,” Misson said.

“As Tom is a restricted free agent, Carlton will have the opportunity to match our offer once formally submitted. That is part of the process and something we are fully respectful of.

“With the official player movement period still several weeks away, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”

The Saints are set for a bumper off-season, with De Koning set to sign weeks after superstar Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera recommitted to the club, while Giants defender Leek Aleer and West Coast forward Liam Ryan have also been strongly linked to St Kilda. The club is also in the mix to lure outgoing Blue Jack Silvagni, as well as contracted Suns midfielder Sam Flanders.

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