Carlton has landed Dandenong Stingrays ruck Tom De Koning in the 2017 NAB AFL National Draft.
Taken with the Blues’ pick 30, he is a member of the AFL Academy and represented Vic Country in the U18 Championships this year.
As a 17-year-old bottom-ager last season, De Koning played one of the most dominant games in the TAC Cup, booting nine goals straight to lead the Stingrays to a 99-point victory.
As the son of former Footscray key position player Terry De Koning, the 18-year-old knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
Although he missed the back end of the year with a lacerated kidney, the 200cm utility had already shown his potential – a sentiment echoed by Carlton’s GM of List Management and Strategy Stephen Silvagni.
“For a 200cm player Tom is excellent with his feet and incredibly athletic for his size,” Silvagni said.
“Even though he was unable to participate for part of the footy season, he had already showcased plenty of potential, so we know what Tom can offer our side.”
Welcome, Tom!
DOB: 16.07.1999
Position: Ruck
Height: 200cm
Weight: 89kg
Clubs: Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country
They said it:
“I was hoping he would get to 10. Not bad as a 17-year-old to kick nine, hey?’’
– Stingrays coach Craig Black tells the Herald Sun De Koning “gave two off’’ in the last quarter of De Koning’s nine-goal performance against the Northern Knights.
