Tom De Koning: Contract, Injury & Move to St Kilda

Tom De Koning grew up barracking for St Kilda from the stands, but after seven seasons at Carlton, the 201 cm ruckman has finally pulled on the red, white and black in a free‑agency move that reshapes both clubs. This is the full story behind his $13 million deal, the injury that cut short his first season with the Saints, and the family ties that make the De Koning name one of the most talked‑about in the AFL.

Height: 201 cm · Joined St Kilda: 2025 off‑season (free agency) · 2025 injury: Punctured lung and broken ribs

The six key facts below draw from official club statements and verified AFL reporting.

Are Tom and Sam De Koning twins?

No. Tom De Koning and Geelong defender Sam De Koning are not twins — a common misconception fuelled by their shared surname and both playing AFL. Tom was born on 16 July 1999; Sam was born on 30 July 2001, making Tom two years older (AFL.com.au (player profiles)).

How old is Sam De Koning?

• Sam De Koning, born 30 July 2001, is 23 years old (as of 2025).
• Tom is 26 (born 1999).

How tall are the De Koning brothers?

• Tom: 201 cm (6 ft 7 in).
• Sam: 198 cm (6 ft 6 in).

The two‑year age gap and distinct roles — Tom as a dominant ruck, Sam as an intercept defender — mean they are never on the same AFL field together, though they frequently train in the off‑season.

This brotherly connection makes the De Koning name a talking point in AFL circles.

How much did St Kilda offer Tom De Koning?

Reports from multiple media outlets put the offer at around $13 million over a long‑term deal. 7NEWS (AFL reporting team) stated the contract was eight years, while SEN (sports radio) reported the per‑season figure at $1.7 million. Neither St Kilda nor De Koning’s management has officially confirmed the exact numbers.

What’s De Koning’s salary with Carlton?

His previous salary at Carlton was not publicly disclosed, but estimates from AFL salary databases suggest it was in the range of $500,000–$600,000 per year — roughly a third of what St Kilda offered.

How much is Tom De Koning getting paid?

• Reported per‑season rate: around $1.7 million (SEN, medium confidence).
• Reported total deal value: $13 million (7NEWS, medium confidence).
• Contract length: 8 years (7NEWS); previously reported as 7 years.

What this means: De Koning’s salary leap moves him into the top echelon of AFL ruckmen, alongside players like Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy, if the reports hold true. The lack of official confirmation leaves room for negotiation on backend details, but the headline figure already signals St Kilda’s immense valuation.

Did Tom De Koning leave Carlton?

Yes. On 26 August 2025, De Koning informed Carlton that he would take up a free‑agency offer from St Kilda (Carlton Football Club (official statement)). Carlton described him as a restricted free agent and said St Kilda’s offer was too large to match. On 2 October 2025, the Blues confirmed they would not match, triggering a compensation pick (No. 9 in the 2025 draft) (AFL.com.au (league‑run media)). De Koning officially joined St Kilda on 3 October 2025 (St Kilda Football Club (club announcement)).

What were the details of Tom De Koning’s trade?

• He was a restricted free agent — no trade deal was needed, only a matching offer.
• Carlton opted not to match and received compensation pick 9.
• He played his 100th and final game for Carlton in round 24, 2025.

“Leaving Carlton was the toughest decision I’ve ever made.”

— Tom De Koning, quoted by ESPN (AFL correspondent)

The implication: St Kilda landed a top‑tier ruckman without giving up a single player or draft pick — a masterstroke in the free‑agency system, while Carlton now holds a valuable early draft selection.

What is Tom De Koning’s heritage?

Tom De Koning is of Dutch descent through his father. His mother is Australian. The family has three children: Tom, Sam, and a sister (AFL.com.au (profile background)). His surname “De Koning” is common in the Netherlands and translates to “The King” — a fitting name for a ruckman who now commands a king’s ransom.

Who are Tom De Koning’s parents?

• Father: Dutch, surname De Koning.
• Mother: Australian, surname not publicly disclosed.

Who is in Tom De Koning’s family?

• Brother Sam (Geelong AFL player, born 2001).
• One sister (name not public).
• Parents (father Dutch, mother Australian).

Why this matters: The Dutch‑Australian lineage gives De Koning a potential future with the Netherlands national team in international rules, though his AFL commitments are his primary focus.

What is Tom De Koning’s injury?

In a match against the Western Bulldogs in early 2026, De Koning suffered a punctured lung and two cracked ribs after a heavy hit before half‑time (AFL.com.au (official league update)). He was hospitalised and ruled out indefinitely. The same injury was also reported by ESPN with similar detail.

Tom De Koning injury update

• Injury: Punctured lung (air leaking into chest cavity) and two cracked ribs.
• Date: Early 2026 (round 10–12 window).
• Status: Hospitalised, no return timeline given.

How long is Tom De Koning out?

As of the latest reporting, no specific return date has been announced. Punctured lungs require rest and monitoring; an AFL return typically takes 6–12 weeks depending on severity.

St Kilda’s season hinges on his recovery.

Timeline

• 2017: Drafted by Carlton with pick 30 in the AFL national draft.
• 2018: AFL debut for Carlton.
• 2023: Breakout season, establishing as a top ruckman.
• 26 August 2025: Informs Carlton of decision to join St Kilda as free agent.
• 2 October 2025: Carlton chooses not to match offer; compensation pick 9 secured.
• 3 October 2025: Officially joins St Kilda.
• Early 2026: Suffers punctured lung and cracked ribs; hospitalised.

This timeline captures the key moments in De Koning’s career so far.

Clarity check

The clarity check helps readers separate confirmed facts from speculation.

Quotes on the move and the injury

“Leaving Carlton was the toughest decision I’ve ever made.”

— Tom De Koning, quoted by ESPN (AFL correspondent)

“St Kilda is thrilled to welcome Tom De Koning to the club. He’s a proven ruckman who will be a key part of our future.”

— St Kilda Football Club, official media release

“Tom De Koning suffered a punctured lung and two cracked ribs in a heavy collision. He’s in hospital and will be monitored closely.”

— Tom Morris (AFL journalist), via AFL.com.au report

For St Kilda fans, the lesson is bittersweet: De Koning’s arrival gave the club a marquee ruckman, but his serious injury means the payoff is delayed. For Carlton, the compensation pick 9 softens the exit. The coming months will reveal whether De Koning can return to his 2023 form — and whether St Kilda’s $13 million gamble pays off.

Frequently asked questions

The coming months will determine whether De Koning’s gamble pays off for both him and the club.