St Kilda’s $1.7M De Koning offer puts pressure on Carlton

Carlton have been urged to think twice before going all-in on star ruckman Tom De Koning, with AFL great Nathan Buckley warning the Blues could shoot themselves in the foot by splashing too much cash.

As the 25-year-old weighs up a monster seven-year, $1.7 million-per-season offer from St Kilda, Buckley said Carlton must treat the decision as a “business call” — not just a sentimental one.

The Blues are believed to have tabled a seven-year deal of their own worth just over $1 million annually, but the Saints’ aggressive pursuit could tip the scales.

“I don’t think a ruckman should ever be the highest-paid player on your list,” Buckley said on Fox Footy.

“There’s too much evidence of ‘Moneyball’ ruckmen doing the job and winning flags.”

While Buckley concedes De Koning could be one of the most influential big men in the game for the next half-decade, he says Carlton can’t afford to ignore other list gaps — particularly their lack of run and dash off half-back and through the midfield.

The Blues need things to go their way this Thursday against Collingwood if they are to have any chance of competing for the top spots this season.

Online bookmakers are pricing the Blues at $3.75 to make the top eight after their 0-3 start to the campaign.

“They probably need a little bit more running power… and if you go and pay overs for one player, that opportunity cost could come back to bite you,” Buckley said.

• 

  Fast Payouts

De Koning will be in the spotlight when Carlton face Collingwood at the MCG on Thursday night, with the Blues desperate to avoid slumping to a 0-4 start for the first time since 2019.

Top AFL betting sites have the Blues at $26 to get the wooden spoon this year, with Richmond firm favourites at $1.91 with BetOnline.

Buckley believes the key to beating the Pies lies in pressure and instinctive football — not over-relying on precision ball use.

“Give the first give, trust your teammates, and bring the heat,” he said.

“That’s the blueprint to take down Collingwood.”

Sports news