Tom De Koning’s decision on whether to accept a monster $12.5 million offer from St Kilda could set off a seismic shift in the AFL ruck landscape, with up to four clubs bracing for a dramatic reshuffle.
The 25-year-old Carlton ruckman is weighing up the Saints' mega seven-year deal, which dwarfs the Blues’ counter-offer of $7.5 million over the same period.
As reported by Nine’s Tom Morris, the financial gulf may simply be too much to ignore. “Most people in the know think a $5 million gap will be simply too difficult for TDK to refuse,” Morris said on 9News Melbourne.
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De Koning’s move would likely push out St Kilda’s current No.1 ruck Rowan Marshall, who is contracted until 2027 but is understood to want to remain the leading man at his club.
One decision, four clubs in flux
Should Marshall exit, he’ll have no shortage of suitors, with Adelaide and Geelong reportedly circling. That, in turn, could see the Crows’ Reilly O’Brien depart, while Geelong may also revive their interest in Fremantle’s Sean Darcy, creating a four-club chain reaction all stemming from one player's contract.
“The longer this goes, the more likely he is to leave,” Morris added, hinting that De Koning’s indecision is already setting wheels in motion.
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Carlton, if De Koning departs, are expected to pursue either O’Brien or Darcy to plug the gap. But while the potential deal could net the Blues $2 million up front by freeing up a front-ended salary, critics have raised eyebrows over the Saints' huge outlay.
Collingwood great Tony Shaw voiced his concerns on social media: “Any club offering that money for one player is negligent in their salary cap management. A ruckman one jump from disaster is another risk. Not to say player unrest of those who have been loyal to club ambitions. Buyer beware.”
A decision is yet to be made, but when it comes, it could redraw the ruck blueprint for almost a quarter of the competition.