AFL 2025: Carlton coach Michael Voss on the form of Tom De Koning and his pending future

News.com.au

2 days ago

Carlton coach Michael Voss denies the change in role and subsequent dip in form for Tom De Koning is connected to the brilliant Blue's end-of-season decision.
De Koning has shifted forward in recent weeks and had lesser impact on the game as his career-defining decision to stay a Blue or join St Kilda on lucrative money looms.
The ball-winning big man has not had 20 disposals or more in five weeks – a feat he achieved six times in the first half of the year.
Voss said De Koning's combination with Marc Pittonet was clear and De Koning remained determined to do what was best for the Blues.
'I think you're reading a little too much into it, even the discussion around the combination, it's black and white for us,' Voss said.
'We need a role to play and he's really determined to get that done, so the discussion around it is for other people to talk about.'
De Koning's future has been a topic of each of Voss's weekly press conferences this season.
'I think with anything we'd make a fuss about it, wouldn't we? I've learned enough around who's leaving, who's going and the points of topic,' he joked.
'I think as an industry it is probably more something we need to ask the question of how you (the media) would handle it more so than how we would handle it.
'The most important thing is that what the player wants is just to continue to get on with it. The topic of conversation is more for everyone else, but it's not for us.
'The way we look at things is that any player finds themselves in that situation is about the role they play in the team, the energy they bring for the team, how they make us better.
'That's the only conversation we ever have within the four walls, so that's not changed from the start of the year.
'In time, we'll obviously get what that decision is. We're quite happy with where it is at this point in time, so when we're ready we'll obviously deal with it.'
The Blues will need both De Koning and Pittonet firing this Saturday night as they take on Melbourne captain Max Gawn.
Carlton received a boost on Friday morning with Cody Walker, the son of former high-flyer Andrew, committing to the club as a father-son selection.
'It's exciting news, fortunately now we get to spend a bit of time with our academy players,' Voss said.
'To have Ben and Lucas Camporeale come through, another Walker through the doors, is very exciting for the football club.
'When that time comes and he's ready to come in, it will be a great story for the football club.'