Free Agency Tom De Koning - Joins St Kilda as an RFA, Carlton get Band 1 compensation (Pick 9)

[Jeremias]

This thread might be going for a while. Please respect board rules and each other.

As a starting point, let's leave any references to 'culture' at the door.

Thread bans and infractions will be handed out as necessary.

Thanks.

 

[aussierulesrules]

Unfortunately we had to make our play a long time ago (apparently mid summer, to get in early, which you tend to need to do), but if you knew that 22yo Heath is now looking competitive at AFL, 19yo Dodson is showing ridiculous potential in the VFL, 21yo Keeler is showing lots of potential as a forward/ruck, and you also have Marshall, the last thing you’d be doing is throwing obscene money at yet another ruck.

But I imagine we’re in too deep now to pull out.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Unfortunately we had to make our play a long time ago (apparently mid summer, to get in early, which you tend to need to do), but if you knew that 22yo Heath is now looking competitive at AFL, 19yo Dodson is showing ridiculous potential in the VFL, 21yo Keeler is showing lots of potential as a forward/ruck, and you also have Marshall, the last thing you’d be doing is throwing obscene money at yet another ruck.

But I imagine we’re in too deep now to pull out.

If only there were an off ramp for all parties

 

[Duckimus Prime]

TDK's problem is that the ruck rules have changed and no-one is being allowed to jump at the ball. Godwin was just talking about how Gawn no longer jumps and what a travesty it is. Rucks will become big bodied brawlers or giraffes

Except TDK was playing really well at the start of the year.

He's only checked out as Carlton's year has cratered. With Pittonent playing he's been getting less ruck time and been ineffective as a forward (ie the same as Grundy at the Dees).

Has there been an example of a ruckman being paid overs to leave and it being a success story? Grundy is playing well this year, but that's with Sydney out of contention.

Grundy was actually paid big money to stay.
His trades have actually been about his new clubs not paying him too much of his big salary.

The ruck that was offered big money to leave is Luke Jackson. And he's working out ok for Freo.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

If only there were an off ramp for all parties

View attachment 2385724

Not for tom he doesn't want to give up 5-6 mil.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Not for tom he doesn't want to give up 5-6 mil.

Let's let Tom say that. Maybe money does buy happiness

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Let's let Tom say that. Maybe money does buy happiness

It probably doesn't but from an investment point of view you have to take that deal surely.

 

[Saints43]

It probably doesn't but from an investment point of view you have to take that deal surely.

You'd take the deal from a football point of view. Carlton were meant to be challenging to go deep into the finals and are likely to finish behind St Kilda this season.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

You'd take the deal from a football point of view. Carlton were meant to be challenging to go deep into the finals and are likely to finish behind St Kilda this season.

No if it was about football he would pick a finals club not st kilda. But I dont think anyone in his position could turn down the cash.

 

[Saints43]

No if it was about football he would pick a finals club not st kilda. But I dont think anyone in his position could turn down the cash.

Um, yeah, that's the point of the size of the offer.
I'm just discussing whether there is any reason for TDK to be staying at Carlton anyway.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Um, yeah, that's the point of the size of the offer.
I'm just discussing whether there is any reason for TDK to be staying at Carlton anyway.

I think that ship sailed a long time ago

 

[Atomboy]

I can't understand St Kilda's thinking over a big $$ offer for TDK. I don't know why Carlton would pay overs to keep him when Pittonet is a better ruckman, but not better around the ground.

Has there been an example of a ruckman being paid overs to leave and it being a success story? Grundy is playing well this year, but that's with Sydney out of contention.

I think all you need is a serviceable ruckman and paying big bucks for a ruck is like paying big bucks for a back pocket. You need them, but they're very replaceable. I'm not sure TDK is the type of player who will dominate games consistently enough to warrant a big pay cheque.

I think our admin were just bored so this was a way to fill in some time.

 

[tiger_tough]

I've read a couple of rumours lately that Saints have cooled and we are asking the question. Anything in that? Hard to believe tbh.

 

[stfan]

If only there were an off ramp for all parties

View attachment 2385724

Well that offramp will take him to Marvel, not Kardinia Park.

 

[stfan]

TDK's problem is that the ruck rules have changed and no-one is being allowed to jump at the ball.

Evidently in 2026 the ruck rules are being changed to favour the leaping ruckman again.

 

[HairyO]

I've read a couple of rumours lately that Saints have cooled and we are asking the question. Anything in that? Hard to believe tbh.

If NWM is looking to stay on huge money its quite likely that the Saints wouldnt have the crazy money being claimed for TDK.

 

[Obeanie1]

From what we 'know'... Essentially what our in the know posters on our board have said, it's something like this

Cripps 1 million
Curnow 850k
Weitering 850k
McKay 850k
Williams 800k
Walsh 800k
TDK 700k
Saad 700k
Cerra 600k

McGovern and Docherty used to be on big coin but no idea what they'd be on nowadays. Hewett and Acres on fairly modest contracts in comparison to the top liners.

Williams obviously the one that sticks out as a bit of a stinker.

Geez those figures look dated when comparing to what offers are being discussed for out of contract players ATM.

Then you stop and ask. Who deserves a pay rise? TDK yep, leaving.

Then?

Carlton's list is on the edge of a cliff. Some big decisions need to be made.

 

[WalshistheGOAT]

Geez those figures look dated when comparing to what offers are being discussed for out of contract players ATM.

Then you stop and ask. Who deserves a pay rise? TDK yep, leaving.

Then?

Carlton's list is on the edge of a cliff. Some big decisions need to be made.

Definitely. I suspect all would be getting offers for considerably more from elsewhere atm.

Not a hell of a lot of reasons to stay either.

 

[Yoda_]

Geez those figures look dated when comparing to what offers are being discussed for out of contract players ATM.

Then you stop and ask. Who deserves a pay rise? TDK yep, leaving.

Then?

Carlton's list is on the edge of a cliff. Some big decisions need to be made.

isn't it 'unders' when the new CBA comes into effect and pushes the salary cap up?


WalshistheGOAT who is an overpaid player on your list you would love to push out for anything you could get? Essendon should be looking for guys to pay anything to if we do lose a Parish, or Langford, or Ridley. Feels like we're struggling to hit the floor anyways

 

[Yoda_]

Has anyone noted he's on 97 games. 100 gets him to father/child eligible should he have kids.

 

[WalshistheGOAT]

isn't it 'unders' when the new CBA comes into effect and pushes the salary cap up?


WalshistheGOAT who is an overpaid player on your list you would love to push out for anything you could get? Essendon should be looking for guys to pay anything to if we do lose a Parish, or Langford, or Ridley. Feels like we're struggling to hit the floor anyways

Williams, McGovern and Motlop would be the first 3 names id be shoving out the door for their overall performances over their contracts.

On 2025 form almost the entire team is 'overpaid' though so it's a bit hard to judge who will get back to their best and who will continue stinking it up. TDK included.

 

[Yoda_]

Williams, McGovern and Motlop would be the first 3 names id be shoving out the door for their overall performances over their contracts.

On 2025 form almost the entire team is 'overpaid' though so it's a bit hard to judge who will get back to their best and who will continue stinking it up. TDK included.

Think I read or heard somewhere that McGovern has actually been ok in parts this year. Maybe a champion data thing. Motlop is crap and I dont rate. Williams could interest me as someone to use in front or behind the ball but he's shown something as a fwd this year?

 

[sexyhunk]

Has anyone noted he's on 97 games. 100 gets him to father/child eligible should he have kids.

and carlton only have two more games left.

 

[WalshistheGOAT]

Think I read or heard somewhere that McGovern has actually been ok in parts this year. Maybe a champion data thing. Motlop is crap and I dont rate. Williams could interest me as someone to use in front or behind the ball but he's shown something as a fwd this year?

He has but frankly anyone who signs a massive FA contract and rocks up fat as a house in their first pre season can gagf for me.

He's come good since having a kid and maturing a bit but his contract has been an absolute anchor over the years we were going well and could have been spent on someone who actually helped us over those years.

Same with McGovern. Lost my respect years ago regardless of if he's become a decent player since actually getting himself fit.

 

[Yoda_]

and carlton only have two more games left.

(3) Suns, Power, Bombers

 

[stfan]

and carlton only have two more games left.

?

It looks like three to me.