Tom De Koning’s restricted free agency move from Carlton to St Kilda sent shockwaves through the AFL, reshaping both clubs’ list strategies and triggering a compensation debate that will echo for years. This fact pack covers the contract race, the restricted free agency mechanics, the compensation outcome, and the injury context around De Koning’s 2025 switch.

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Height 201 cm AFL debut 2018 (Carlton) Current club St Kilda (from 2025) Contract reported value A$13 million over 7 years Band-one compensation Pick 3 in 2024 draft (Carlton) Siblings in AFL Brother Sam De Koning (Geelong)

Player Profile

  • Height: 201 cm
  • Position: Ruck
  • Club: St Kilda (since 2025)
  • Debut: 2018 (Carlton)

Free Agency Move

  • Left Carlton as restricted free agent in 2025
  • Signed 7‑year deal with St Kilda
  • Carlton received band‑one compensation (pick 3)

Family & Heritage

  • Brother Sam De Koning (Geelong)
  • One of 12 siblings
  • Dutch heritage

Contract Value

  • St Kilda offer: up to A$13 million over 7 seasons
  • Carlton offer: 7‑year deal at ~A$1 million per year
  • Pick‑9 compensation (2025 draft)
Key snapshot facts
Full name Tom De Koning
Date of birth 16 July 1999
Height 201 cm
Weight 101 kg
AFL debut 2018 (Carlton)
Current club St Kilda Football Club
Former club Carlton Football Club (2018–2024)
Draft Pick 30, 2017 national draft (Carlton)
Brother in AFL Sam De Koning (Geelong)
Reported contract value A$13 million over 7 years

Are Tom and Sam De Koning twins?

No. Tom De Koning and Sam De Koning are brothers, not twins. Both play in the AFL: Tom at St Kilda (after moving from Carlton) and Sam at Geelong. They are part of a large family of 12 children.

Tom De Koning’s family background

Tom De Koning is one of 12 children. His brother Sam De Koning plays for Geelong (ESPN).

Sam De Koning’s AFL career at Geelong

Sam De Koning, drafted by Geelong, established himself as a key defender and occasional ruck. The brothers have never faced each other as opponents in a senior game as of mid‑2026.

How much did St Kilda offer Tom De Koning?

St Kilda tabled a reported seven‑year deal worth up to A$13 million. AFL.com.au reported St Kilda was willing to offer more than $1.5 million per season. The Age reported a $1.7 million‑a‑year figure. Fox Sports reported $12 million over seven seasons, which would have made De Koning the highest‑paid player in the competition.

Reported $13 million offer details

The St Kilda offer, as reported by multiple outlets, was structured over seven years at an average annual value of between $1.5 million and $1.7 million. Official terms were not fully disclosed by either club.

Contract length and structure

The deal is understood to be back‑ended, with significant salary cap space created by St Kilda’s list management strategy. The contract’s structure triggered the AFL’s free‑agency compensation formula, resulting in a band‑one pick for Carlton.

“St Kilda was willing to offer De Koning more than $1.5 million per season.”

— AFL.com.au, February 2025

Did Tom De Koning leave Carlton and why?

Tom De Koning left Carlton as a restricted free agent in the 2025 off‑season, informing the club on 26 August 2025 that he would take up a free‑agency option with St Kilda (ESPN). He signed with St Kilda when free agency opened on 3 October 2025 (AFL.com.au).

Tom De Koning’s decision to join St Kilda

De Koning cited the opportunity to be the primary ruckman and the offer’s financial security. Carlton had tabled a seven‑year offer at just over $1 million per season (The Age), significantly less than St Kilda’s proposal.

Carlton’s compensation band‑one pick

Carlton did not match St Kilda’s offer (AFL.com.au), triggering the compensation formula. The club received pick 9 in the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft as compensation (AFL.com.au).

“Carlton received pick No. 9 in the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft as compensation for De Koning’s departure.”

— AFL.com.au, October 2025

The catch: Carlton gave up a player they drafted with pick 30 in 2017 (ESPN), for a compensation pick of 9, after seven years of development.

What is Tom De Koning’s heritage?

Tom De Koning has Dutch heritage. He has represented AFL International, the representative side for players of international backgrounds.

Dutch ancestry confirmed

Multiple sources confirm De Koning’s Dutch ancestry. His surname “De Koning” translates to “The King” in Dutch.

International AFL representation

De Koning was selected for the AFL International team, which showcases players with heritage outside Australia.

How many De Koning brothers play AFL?

Two De Koning brothers currently play AFL: Tom De Koning (St Kilda) and Sam De Koning (Geelong).

Tom and Sam De Koning in the AFL

Tom was drafted by Carlton with pick 30 in 2017. Sam was drafted by Geelong. Both have established themselves as senior regulars.

Other siblings and family size (12 children)

The De Koning family has 12 children in total. No other siblings have played AFL football at senior level.

Will Carlton get compensation for Tom De Koning?

Carlton already received band‑one compensation for Tom De Koning’s departure. The compensation was realised as pick 9 in the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft (AFL.com.au).

Band‑one compensation explanation

The AFL’s free‑agency compensation formula allocates band‑one status based on the size and length of the departing player’s contract. Band‑one compensation is a pick immediately after the first round of the national draft.

Impact of Tom De Koning’s contract on compensation formula

De Koning’s seven‑year deal valued at over $1.5 million per season triggered the band‑one threshold. The compensation pick was determined by the AFL after clubs received the relevant bandings (AFL.com.au).

The pattern: The compensation system rewarded Carlton with pick 9 for a player drafted at pick 30, but St Kilda gained a 24‑year‑old elite ruckman without giving up a player or pick in trade.

Where does Tom De Koning live and what is his current injury status?

Tom De Koning lives in Melbourne, having relocated after his move to St Kilda. He suffered a hamstring injury in June 2026 that sidelined him for at least one month.

Tom De Koning living in Melbourne after move to St Kilda

De Koning remains based in Melbourne, St Kilda’s home city. He still owns property in the city.

Injury update: sidelined with hamstring issue (June 2026)

De Koning suffered a hamstring injury in mid‑2026. He was expected to miss at least one month of AFL football (AFL.com.au).

“Tom De Koning’s hamstring injury will keep him out for at least a month.”

— St Kilda coach, per AFL.com.au (June 2026)

Timeline of Tom De Koning’s career

Tom De Koning born in Melbourne, Victoria
Selected by Carlton with pick 30
AFL debut for Carlton
Informed Carlton he would join St Kilda
Moved to St Kilda as restricted free agent
Sidelined with hamstring injury (≥1 month)

Confirmed facts

  • Tom De Koning is a professional AFL player (AFL.com.au).
  • He moved from Carlton to St Kilda in the 2025 off‑season via free agency (ESPN).
  • Carlton received band‑one compensation (pick 9 in 2025 draft) (AFL.com.au).
  • He has a brother Sam De Koning who plays for Geelong (ESPN).
  • His height is 201 cm (AFL.com.au).

Unclear details

  • Exact personal terms of the contract beyond the reported $13 million figure.
  • Exact details of injury recovery timeline beyond “at least a month”.
  • Total number of siblings outside of the 12 children in the De Koning family.
  • Specific date of his Dutch heritage recognition beyond “AFL International” representation.
Additional sources

australiapress.net, en.wikipedia.org, sportingnews.com, sportingnews.com, afl.com.au, espn.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Tom De Koning?

Born 16 July 1999, Tom De Koning is currently 26 years old.

What is Tom De Koning’s net worth?

Net worth is not publicly disclosed, but his reported seven‑year contract with St Kilda is valued up to A$13 million.

Is Tom De Koning married?

Tom De Koning is not known to be married. He keeps his personal life private.

What school did Tom De Koning attend?

He attended private school in Melbourne and played junior football with the Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup.

What number does Tom De Koning wear for St Kilda?

He wears guernsey number 10 for St Kilda.

How many games has Tom De Koning played in the AFL?

As of mid‑2026, De Koning had played over 80 AFL games.

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