IF Tom De Koning represents the future of Carlton, it sure looks bright.

The second-year Blue overcame injury to make strides in his development across the ground, as he heads into next year looking to add to his two senior games. 

After a slow start to 2019 due to a lateral ligament knee injury, De Koning is eager to put his learnings in to practice on the big stage in 2020.

“It was a little bit of a setback for me, but it sort of made me more determined to come back and get the best out of my footy,” De Koning said of the early knee injury. 

“When I got back I managed to play out the rest of the year which was really enjoyable and I developed a lot as a player.

“I’ve managed to find a little bit of form and a little bit of consistency and I’m looking forward to taking that into the preseason.”

 

While De Koning’s skillset lends itself to both a forward and ruck role, it’s the craft at the centre bounce which he is hoping to focus on moving forward.

Playing 11 games for the Northern Blues in 2019, De Koning averaged 12.4 hitouts, often having to split his time in the position alongside Andrew Phillips and Matthew Lobbe.

“I’ve been put in multiple positions this year but in the long term I want to be a ruckman,” he said.

“I really enjoy being around the ball, but I want to develop my forward craft as much as I can as well which I’ve been able to do these last couple of years.

“But I see myself as a long-term ruckman once I put on a bit more size and get my craft nailed.”

 

While his ruck craft is the key focus moving forward, De Koning is eager to grow alongside a group of elite young Blues forwards.

Singling out Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay, the young gun is looking forward to learning from the talented group.

“We’ve built really close relationships throughout the last couple of years and we’re really good mates off the field,” he said of Curnow and McKay.

“At training we work together to try and get the most out of ourselves, we match up on each other and try and help each other through everything we do.” 

Having played the final two games of his debut season in 2018, De Koning is hopeful 2020 will bring with it a chance to play in front of the Bluebagger supporter base which was full of voice this year. 

“I’m really determined to have a good off-season and go into the preseason and just nail my craft and just get better as a player,” he said.

“I can’t wait to be able to play for them [the fans] and play in front of them, it’ll be huge.”