Carlton’s coach Michael Voss admitted post-game after their round 24 win over the Bombers: “We’re not [expecting] the best of news, but we’re holding on to that hope that it’s going to be here”.
De Koning did not say anything definitive about his future late last week, but what he didn’t say post-game, when he was left in the unenviable position of having to give a speech to a crowded room as the club recognised his 100-game milestone, spoke loudest.
His defection is a success story for the Saints, who have unsuccessfully targeted stars from other clubs in recent years, including young Giant Finn Callaghan, who spurned a similar offer to stick with GWS earlier this season.
Wanganeen-Milera re-signed with the Saints last week to become the AFL’s first $2 million man. The 22-year-old had fielded huge offers from Port Adelaide and Adelaide to return to South Australia.