Tom De Koning will join St Kilda on an eight-year mega-deal, in potentially the biggest contract ever signed by an AFL free agent.
De Koning has been widely expected to leave Carlton due to a gap of around $700,000 a year between their best offer and the Saints’ lucrative bid.
But The Age reports the Saints have upped their offer from seven to eight years, with De Koning accepting the deal ahead of his exit meeting at Blues HQ on Tuesday.
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De Koning’s seven-year deal was at a reported $1.7 million a season and it’s unclear whether the salary remains the same on the eight-year deal, or if it has been smoothed out.
It follows the Saints landing the signature of young superstar Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera on a two-year, $4 million contract.
The Saints have been desperate for years to lure big fish to Moorabbin and jump from mid-table mediocrity into being contenders again, missing out on the likes of Finn Callaghan, Luke Davies-Uniacke and Miles Bergman over the past 12 months alone.
Is TDK a $1.7m a year player? | 03:31
De Koning is a restricted free agent meaning Carlton can match any offers made for him, though it’s virtually certain they cannot afford to do so.
They would instead receive top-band free agency compensation, the draft pick directly after their natural first-round selection. The Blues do not own their first-round pick – Hawthorn does – but would be awarded Pick 9 (as it stands).
“We’re not (expecting) the best of news, but we’re holding on to that hope that it’s going to be here,” Blues coach Michael Voss said after Carlton’s season-ending win over Essendon.
TDK on ‘huge week’ ahead for his future | 01:19