The milestone speech from Carlton Blues star Tom De Koning as he decides on a likely move to St Kilda Saints

“There is a bit going on surrounding my name. My focus was finishing off the year strong,” De Koning said. “Now the next few weeks is [about] weighing things up and making a big decision.”

That decision probably won’t take long, with the Blues holding exit meetings next week, where De Koning’s future will be top of the agenda. He can then head to Bali to indulge in his passion for surfing, appreciating the support he has received from teammates and the coaches in a year that has not gone to plan.

“Each week I come into the club and feel the absolute love from the boys … to come into a place and feel comfortable and safe is awesome when the outside noise is so chaotic,” De Koning said.

“I feel like I am a pretty laid-back person who has things going on outside footy that I can focus on when times are tough, and I’ve been able to do that.”

His skipper Patrick Cripps, a dual Brownlow medallist who has resisted any temptation to move as he’s led the club through its ups and downs, was generous towards his teammate.

“He’s a competitor – we love playing with him and you couldn’t question the way he has rocked up this year,” Cripps told Fox Footy.

“To play 100 games for any club is special, and he will get his name on his locker. He will go down as a 100-game Carlton player forever.”

Voss complimented his ruckman on how he had handled the season amid such scrutiny.

“I can’t fault TDK. All I wanted to be was just be really clear about what my expectations about him were,” Voss said.

“If he does leave, it will be disappointing, but it will be next man up.”

Who that is remains to be seen, as the Blues reflect on a season that never got going and begin to make the changes needed to get better. Their off-season is here. It’s unlikely De Koning will remain a Blue.

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