St Kilda Football Club is thrilled to welcome Tom De Koning to the red, white and black, with the 25-year-old today officially joining the club as a free agent.
De Koning has played 100 AFL games since being drafted to Carlton in 2017, developing into one of the competition’s most dynamic and versatile talls.
“I’m absolutely pumped to be joining St Kilda,” De Koning said.
“From the outside you can see how driven and united this playing group is. There’s a real determination to get the best out of themselves and each other, and I want to contribute to that.
“Players like Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Marcus Windhager, Mitch Owens and a whole group of emerging players are showing what can be achieved when you’re aligned and hungry for success. To join that environment is something I’m really looking forward to.
“The stability of the club, the quality of the coaches and the lifestyle the Bayside affords are also huge factors. I feel like this is the perfect place to challenge myself and take my footy to the next level.”
De Koning reaffirmed his appreciation of his former club, while reiterating his excitement for the future.
“Carlton will always be the place where my AFL journey started, and for that I will be forever grateful. But my focus is now firmly on everything I can do to prove myself to my teammates, coaches and the St Kilda supporters, while doing everything I can to help drive us forward.”
St Kilda Head of Talent and Acquisition Graeme Allan said De Koning’s arrival was another important step forward for the Saints.
“Tom is an incredibly exciting talent entering the prime of his career, and we’re very pleased he’s chosen to take that next step with us,” Allan said.
“Tom is joining a united and driven group, and his presence will only strengthen that collective. His versatility and competitiveness give us great flexibility, and we know he’ll push himself and those around him to even higher standards.
“He’s the right character for the environment we’re creating, and that alignment will be just as important as his on-field impact. We’re building towards sustained success, and Tom’s decision to join us is a great sign of the belief in our direction.
“Our members and supporters should be excited. Tom is hungry for success, he’s bought into our vision, and he’ll add enormous value both on and off the field.”
