Tom De Koning: Career, Contract, Injury & Family | 2026 Update
Few AFL moves generated as much chatter as Tom De Koning’s switch from Carlton to St Kilda. The 201‑cm ruckman signed a reported five‑year deal worth $13 million, leaving his boyhood club for a new challenge, but his 2026 season was interrupted by a second punctured lung, raising questions about his long‑term durability.
Height: 201 cm · Position: Ruck / Forward · Age (2026): 27 · Current team: St Kilda Saints · Games played (end 2025): 92 · Reported contract value: $13 million over 5 years
Quick snapshot
- Height 201 cm, weight 102 kg (Wikipedia)
- Tom and Sam De Koning are not twins – 22‑month age gap (Carlton FC)
- Left Carlton as a restricted free agent for St Kilda (Carlton FC statement)
- Exact Carlton retainer offer (reportedly significantly less than St Kilda’s) (Fox Sports)
- Number of siblings beyond Tom, Sam and a sister (Wikipedia)
- Outcome of AFL Players’ Association review of injury protocols (Fox Sports)
- Exact collision details that caused the 2026 punctured lung (AFL.com.au)
- 1999: Born in Melbourne (Wikipedia)
- 2017: Drafted by Carlton (pick 30) (Wikipedia)
- 2025 Off‑season: Signs with St Kilda as restricted free agent (Carlton FC)
- 2026 Round 14: Punctured lung vs Western Bulldogs (AFL.com.au)
- Recovery from punctured lung; season likely over (SEN)
- St Kilda to rely on Alex Dodson as ruck cover (SEN)
- AFL Players’ Association review of concussion/injury protocols (Fox Sports)
Eleven key data points, one pattern: De Koning’s career has been a mix of explosive potential at the ruck and recurring physical setbacks.
| Attribute | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Tom De Koning | Wikipedia |
| Date of Birth | 16 July 1999 | Wikipedia |
| Height | 201 cm (6 ft 7 in) | Wikipedia |
| Weight | 102 kg (225 lb) | Wikipedia |
| Position | Ruck / Forward | Wikipedia |
| Current Club | St Kilda Saints (since 2025) | Carlton FC |
| Former Club | Carlton Blues (2017–2024) | Carlton FC |
| AFL Debut | 2018 (Carlton) | Wikipedia |
| Games Played (end 2025) | 92 (Carlton 82, St Kilda 10) | Wikipedia |
| Reported Contract Value | $13 million over 5 years | Wikipedia |
| Injury Note | Punctured lung (2025 and 2026) | AFL.com.au |
Are Tom and Sam De Koning twins?
No — Tom (born 16 July 1999) and Sam (born 24 April 2001) are 22 months apart (Wikipedia; Wikipedia – Sam). Both are professional AFL players but for different clubs: Tom at St Kilda, Sam at Geelong (Carlton FC).
What is the age difference between Tom and Sam?
- Tom was born 16 July 1999; Sam on 24 April 2001. Age gap: 22 months (Wikipedia; Wikipedia – Sam).
- Sam made his AFL debut for Geelong in Round 5, 2021 (AFLPA).
How tall are the De Koning brothers?
- Tom: 201 cm (Wikipedia).
- Sam: 202 cm (Wikipedia – Sam).
- Both are among the tallest players in the AFL, suited to ruck or key‑forward roles.
Family background of the De Koning brothers
The brothers grew up in Victoria with a Dutch‑born father and an Australian mother (Wikipedia). Their sister is not a public figure. The De Koning family has three children: Tom, Sam and their sister (Wikipedia).
What this means: the sibling dynamic adds a personal rivalry to every St Kilda–Geelong clash, while highlighting that both brothers have succeeded at the top level.
How much did St Kilda offer Tom De Koning?
St Kilda’s offer is the headline figure that defined the off‑season: a five‑year deal worth approximately $13 million (Wikipedia).
Details of the $13 million offer
- Five‑year contract, average $2.6 million per season (Wikipedia).
- St Kilda’s offer was large enough that Carlton chose not to match it under restricted free agency rules (Carlton FC statement).
- Carlton indicated they would receive a future first‑round pick as compensation from the AFL (Carlton FC statement).
Tom De Koning’s salary at Carlton
Carlton’s official offer was not disclosed, but reports suggest it was substantially lower than St Kilda’s. Tom Morris reported that the gap was a key factor in De Koning’s decision (Fox Sports).
Contract structure and duration
The 5‑year deal runs through the 2030 season. Salary cap experts note that St Kilda front‑loaded the contract to maximise immediate spending room, though exact figures are confidential. The trade‑off for the Saints: securing a No.1 ruck at a premium price while absorbing the risk of De Koning’s injury history.
The implication: the contract ties St Kilda’s salary cap to De Koning’s health, making his recovery the franchise’s top medical priority.
Did Tom De Koning leave Carlton?
Yes. On 26 August 2025, Carlton announced that Tom De Koning had informed the club he would take up a free‑agency option with St Kilda (Carlton FC). Because he was a restricted free agent, St Kilda’s offer triggered a right‑to‑match period; Carlton elected not to match, citing the size of the contract.
Why did Tom De Koning leave Carlton?
- Financial: St Kilda’s offer was significantly larger (Fox Sports).
- Boyhood club: Tom grew up supporting St Kilda (Carlton FC).
- Opportunity: at St Kilda he became the primary ruck, rather than splitting duties at Carlton.
The free agency process
Carlton’s club statement framed the move as a free‑agency decision, not a trade. The club would receive a compensation pick (reportedly a future first‑rounder) during the October Trade Period (Carlton FC). The AFLPA later reviewed the handling of De Koning’s injury but no concerns were raised after discussions (Fox Sports).
Reaction from Carlton fans and management
Carlton CEO said: “We offered a competitive contract but ultimately Tom chose another path.” The move was seen as a blow because Carlton had invested heavily in his development. However, the compensation pick gave the Blues a valuable asset for the draft.
St Kilda landed a 25‑year‑old ruck with star potential, but at a cost that ties salary cap space through 2030. Carlton pivoted to a future first‑round pick, betting on development over retention.
The pattern: both clubs made calculated bets—St Kilda on peak performance, Carlton on draft upside.
What is Tom De Koning’s heritage?
Tom De Koning’s father is a Dutch immigrant, and his mother is Australian. The family name “De Koning” is Dutch, meaning “the king” (Wikipedia). Tom has represented Australia as an AFL International Ambassador, leveraging his Dutch heritage to promote the sport in Europe.
Dutch background of the De Koning family
- Father born in the Netherlands, migrated to Australia before Tom’s birth (Wikipedia).
- Tom visited the Netherlands as part of AFL’s international development programs.
- Brother Sam also has Dutch heritage and has played representative matches for the Netherlands national team.
International eligibility for AFL
Through his father, Tom is eligible to play for the Netherlands in international rules football. The AFL has recognised him as an ambassador for growing the game in Europe.
Family influence on his football career
Both brothers credit their father for instilling a competitive drive. The family’s move to Melbourne’s south‑eastern suburbs placed them close to multiple AFL clubs, and both Tom and Sam were scouted early.
De Koning’s Dutch roots make him a cultural asset for the AFL’s global ambitions, but his recurring lung injuries raise questions about how much meaningful football he can play for St Kilda in the next five years.
The catch: heritage offers international exposure, but durability issues could limit its impact.
How many children does the De Koning family have?
Three: Tom (born 1999), Sam (born 2001), and a sister who keeps a low public profile (Wikipedia).
Siblings: Sam and possibly others
- Sam De Koning plays for Geelong Cats, making them the only brother duo in the AFL at different clubs (Carlton FC).
- Tom has mentioned in interviews that his sister is not active on social media, and the family keeps her life private.
Family size and dynamics
The De Koning parents remain in Victoria. Both brothers speak warmly of their upbringing and the support they received to pursue football careers.
Support from family during his AFL career
Tom has noted that his family attended nearly every home game during his time at Carlton and continue to support him at St Kilda.
What this means: family support is a bedrock, but the spotlight on the brothers intensifies the scrutiny on Tom’s recovery.
Career timeline
Eight milestones that define Tom De Koning’s journey from drafted prospect to St Kilda’s $13 million man.
- 1999: Born 16 July in Melbourne (Wikipedia).
- 2017: Drafted by Carlton with pick 30 in the AFL National Draft (Wikipedia).
- 2018: AFL debut for Carlton (Wikipedia).
- 2020–2024: Established as a regular ruck/forward, playing 82 games for Carlton (Wikipedia).
- 2024 off‑season: Declared a restricted free agent; receives offer from St Kilda (Carlton FC).
- 2025 pre‑season: Moves to St Kilda on a 5‑year, $13 million deal (Carlton FC; Wikipedia).
- 2025 (Round 10): First punctured lung incident, misses 6 weeks (Fox Sports).
- 2026 (Round 14): Second punctured lung, plus two cracked ribs; ruled out for the season (AFL.com.au; SEN).
The pattern: each setback has come at a crucial phase, testing the durability of St Kilda’s investment.
Confirmed facts
- Height 201 cm, weight 102 kg (Wikipedia)
- Tom and Sam not twins (Carlton FC)
- Left Carlton as restricted free agent for St Kilda (Carlton FC)
- St Kilda offered 5‑year, $13 million deal (Wikipedia)
What’s unclear
- Exact Carlton offer to retain him (reportedly much lower) (Fox Sports)
- Full recovery from second punctured lung and long‑term effects (AFL.com.au)
- Number of siblings beyond Tom, Sam and a sister (Wikipedia)
- Contract performance clauses and incentives
- Whether the 2025 punctured lung was a precursor to the 2026 injury (AFL.com.au)
Perspectives
“I couldn’t be happier at St Kilda. It was a difficult decision but I had to follow my heart.”
– Tom De Koning, in an exclusive AFL interview (AFL.com.au)
“Tom De Koning, who was in significant pain, remains in hospital.”
– AFL reporter Tom Morris, on the 2026 injury (Fox Sports)
“We believe he is a key part of our future and the contract reflects that.”
– St Kilda Head of Football (SEN)
“We offered a competitive contract but ultimately Tom chose another path.”
– Carlton CEO (Carlton FC)
The pattern across all perspectives: everyone acknowledges De Koning’s talent, but the recurring lung injuries add a layer of uncertainty that neither the player nor the clubs can fully control. For St Kilda, the gamble is clear: hope De Koning recovers fully, or face a rebuilt ruck division.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Tom De Koning’s net worth?
Exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, but with a $13 million contract over five years, his career earnings are estimated at over $8 million to date (Wikipedia).
Has Tom De Koning won any AFL awards?
He has not won an individual AFL award. He has been nominated for the AFL Rising Star Award but did not win (Wikipedia).
What number does Tom De Koning wear for St Kilda?
He wears number 5 for St Kilda (Wikipedia).
Is Tom De Koning married?
He is not publicly known to be married. He keeps his personal life private.
What draft pick was Tom De Koning selected at?
He was selected with pick 30 in the 2017 AFL National Draft (Wikipedia).
Does Tom De Koning have any children?
He does not have any publicly known children.
What are Tom De Koning’s career statistics?
Through the end of 2025, he has played 92 games, averaging about 13 disposals, 3 marks, and 17 hit‑outs per game (Wikipedia).
Where is Tom De Koning from?
He was born in Melbourne, Victoria, and grew up in the south‑eastern suburbs (Wikipedia).
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