CARLTON ruckman Tom De Koning has received the full complement of votes for his clear best-on-ground performance against Essendon.
In the votes for the third consecutive week, De Koning was the beneficiary of 10 votes from Michael Voss and Brad Scott in a well-rounded display in the ruck.
Collecting 24 disposals (one short of the career-high he set against Gold Coast), De Koning set personal bests for contested possessions (17) and clearances (11) in the 26-point win.
His spoil in the dying stages of the third term to stop a certain Essendon goal, which you can view below, was indicative of his approach on the night.
The big man wasn’t alone, as one of five Blues to receive coaches’ votes.
Belonging on the big stage, Elijah Hollands had his best performance to date in an already impressive run of games in Navy Blue, accumulating seven votes.
With three goals to go with his 19 disposals, the 22-year-old was brilliant playing in front of the biggest crowd of his career, helping set up the Blues’ win in a performance where he also had seven score launches.
In his 50th game as a Blue, George Hewett stood up in the middle, and he was acknowledged in kind by the coaches.
With the influence of Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh quelled, Hewett ensured the Blues’ midfield wouldn’t let up in a typically consistent performance. His 23 disposals, seven tackles and second-quarter goal saw him earn three votes from the coaches.
Alex Cincotta was next up with a two-vote performance, receiving his first batch of coaches’ votes of his career in the process.
🗣 "It's the best team footy I've played since I've been here."
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) June 11, 2024
🗣 "We're giving roles status within our team."
🗣 "We rely on all guys doing their role, and guys stepped up."
The best version of us is all about the sum of our parts. Sunday was no exception.#StrongerTogether
Getting another huge role on midfield gun Zach Merrett, Cincotta kept the Essendon captain to his equal-lowest possession tally of the season, while kicking two clutch goals in the final term himself on the way to victory.
Rounding things out with a solitary vote was Jacob Weitering, who gave up only one opposition mark against Peter Wright (who kicked five goals the last time the two sides met) and Harry Jones. Weitering also generated seven intercepts of his own on a night where the Blues’ backline was under siege.
Round 13 votes
10 - Tom De Koning (CARL)
7 - Elijah Hollands (CARL)
5 - Nic Martin (ESS)
3 - George Hewett (CARL)
2 - Alex Cincotta (CARL)
2 - Sam Durham (ESS)
1 - Jacob Weitering (CARL)
