'Not setting a timeline': Carlton star coy on contract talks amid $12m deal rumours
Carlton ruckman Tom De Koning's willingness to re-sign with the Blues has been questioned following rumours claiming a rival club offered the 25-year-old $12 million over seven years.
Fronting up at a press conference at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday, De Koning avoided directly answering any questions concerning his future.
Earlier this month, reports emerged that St Kilda was prepared to offer De Koning a long-term deal worth upwards of $1.5m a season.
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Tom De Koning has a big decision to make on his contract. Getty
Such a deal would make him the highest-paid player in the game.
Carlton has also reportedly tabled a seven-year deal worth between $7-8 million to keep De Koning.
While De Koning admitted that there is a lot to consider with his current contract up at the end of 2025, he directed questions back to the Blues' first-round match-up with the Tigers.
"[I'm] definitely not setting a timeline," he said.
"Look, my main focus right now is playing round one against Richmond, waiting for that first bounce. That's where my head is at and everything happening behind the scenes is between my manager and the club.
"[I'm] happy with where everything's sitting now and just can't wait to get out there and play round one.
"Obviously, there's a lot to weigh up but my main focus is working with the coaches and playing my role for the team.
"As I said, I am really happy with where I am at now and love the group I am playing with, that's all I can say at the moment."
Tom De Koning in action for Carlton. Robert Cianflone via Getty Images
Having played 78 games for Carlton since being selected with pick No.30 in the 2017 draft, de Koning was last out of contract in 2023.
He re-signed for two years to get through to free agency despite interest from St Kilda, Geelong and Sydney.
Now, De Koning says his latest contract talks and the surrounding attention is no different to what he and his teammates have negotiated before.
"Look, it's nothing my teammates haven't gone through before, me as well two years ago," he said.
"I am in a position that Crippa (Patrick Cripps), Charlie (Curnow), Walshy (Sam Walsh), Harry (McKay) — those sort of players — [have all dealt with before]. I am really happy where I am at and just can't wait to play."
De Koning refused to confirm whether club success would play a part in his final decision but backed the Blues to hit the ground running this season.
"We're in a good position, Carlton, to have success very soon," he said.
"We're happy with how we're going this pre-season. We just can't wait to get out there and show everyone what we can do."
Carlton will open its 2025 campaign against Richmond at the MCG on March 13.
