Carlton: 60 AFL games, 21 goals
Tom De Koning currently plays for the Carlton Football Club in the AFL.
De Koning is the son of former Footscray player Terry De Koning and has nine siblings, including Geelong footballer Sam De Koning. His Dutch grandfather Martin was a migrant to Australia.
De Koning attended Padua College and played junior football for Mt Martha. He typically played as a ruckman.
De Koning joined TAC Cup club Dandenong Stingrays and kicked nine goals in 2016 as a 17-year-old against the Northern Knights. He joined the AFL Academy, playing 11 TAC Cup games and kicking 17 goals.
De Koning was drafted by Carlton with pick 30 in the 2017 AFL national draft. He made his AFL debut in round 22 against the Western Bulldogs. He recorded 11 disposals, 5 marks and kicked his first goal in the second quarter.
Boasting a powerful jump, De Koning showcased his aerial presence with four Mark of the Year nominations in 2022.
De Koning has shouldered the ruck load for key portions of the 2021 and 2022 seasons, fast-tracking his development against the competition’s best rucks.
The 23-year-old continues to show plenty of promise under the tutelage of ruck coach – and former teammate – Matthew Kreuzer.
