THE Carlton Football Club is excited to announce ruck Tom De Koning has re-signed for two more years.

The 24-year-old will continue his career at the Club that drafted him as an 18-year-old with pick No.30 in the 2017 AFL Draft.

“When I was making my decision it came down to the two most important things; the people and the environment. This football club gives you everything you need as a player in that regard,” De Koning said.

“The relationships I have with my teammates are special, I don’t take them for granted. I get to put on a Carlton jumper with my mates and run out in front of an incredible fan base every single week – you couldn’t ask for anything more than that.”

“The support the entire football club provides really makes this an elite environment, and I’m excited to play my role in helping us go after success for years to come.”

De Koning debuted for the Club in Round 22, 2018 against the Western Bulldogs, joining a special club by kicking a goal in his first AFL game.

A well-loved teammate amongst the playing group, De Koning was named Best Young Player in 2020.

Proving to be an emerging ruckman over his career so far, he shouldered the ruck load for key portions of the 2021 and 2022 seasons, fast-tracking his development against some of the competition’s best.

Incredibly impressive aerially, De Koning boasts a powerful vertical leap, showing his soaring presence with four Mark of the Year nominations in 2022.

The 200cm utility, who displays impressive athletic prowess for this size, has produced excellent recent form over the last month with his most recent outing producing a career-high 19 disposals against West Coast last week.

Carlton Head of List Management Nick Austin said it is a great show of faith for what the Club is building to have De Koning recommit for another two years.

"Tom continually impresses with his aerial craft and has really shown consistency in his form. His athleticism is clear but his skillset is still developing, not only as a ruck but also as a forward, which is exciting for our side over the coming years," Austin said.

"Since arriving at the end of 2017, he has grown so much under the guidance of ruck coach and former teammate Matthew Kreuzer. He has adapted really well to the rigours of the game and the position he plays.

“Tom’s work rate and drive to just get better every day is really underrated: this year alone he has shown great resilience to go to work, improve his game and produce some really strong performances at AFL level.

"What we love about Tom is that he is a really positive and upbeat person who continually looks out for his teammates both on and off the field.

“Still just 24 years of age, we cannot wait to see him grow and further develop his craft and we are excited to see what he can do in Navy Blue over the next few years.”