‘Toughest decision I have ever made’: De Koning on his Saints move; Tasmania Devils seek to field teams next year

Nick Austin, the Blues’ head of list management, said the club was disappointed to lose De Koning and would now weigh up its options. Loading “While we would have obviously loved to have retained Tom, the contract offer that we understand he has been presented with is not one we are prepared to match,” Austin said. “Ultimately, the best interests of the football club come first and remains at the centre of every decision we make in regards to our list management. “Tom and his management have been nothing but professional throughout this process, and while it is disappointing to see Tom depart, we will now look to maximise the flexibility that now exists within our playing list as we move into the off-season period.”

Ross Lyon’s Saints are making a big splash in the player movement pool. Credit: Getty Images The Blues will almost certainly receive a first-round compensation pick for losing De Koning. As it stands, that would be pick No.9, but it’s likely to be pushed back in the draft to at least pick 11 after bids for academy or father-son selections. Saints football department boss David Misson said the club was delighted with De Koning’s call. “We’re very pleased that Tom has nominated St Kilda as the club where he wishes to continue his career,” he said. “As Tom is a restricted free agent, Carlton will have the opportunity to match our offer once formally submitted. That is part of the process and something we are fully respectful of.

“With the official player movement period still several weeks away, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.” While De Koning has nominated his new club, reborn defender Jack Silvagni has simply told the Blues he wants out. Silvagni is still weighing up offers from Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs, while Essendon have also shown interest. Silvagni, the third-generation Blue, is an unrestricted free agent, and is leaving after 10 seasons. The son of Stephen and grandson of Sergio, who are both greats of the club, Silvagni has been offered four-year contracts from the Magpies and Bulldogs of more than $700,000 annually. The Blues have offered him a deal worth between $650,000 and $700,000.

Tasmania Devils seeking to field teams next year Shayne Hope Tasmania are seeking to fast-track entry into Australia’s premier second-tier competition as part of their planned AFL debut in 2028. The Devils’ bid to become the AFL’s 19th club remains contingent on a new 23,000-seat roofed stadium being built at Hobart’s Macquarie Point. Brendon Gale the inaugural chief executive of the Tasmania Devils. Credit: Getty Images

But the Devils are hopeful VFL and VFLW entry in 2026 will be another step in the right direction. The AFL is reviewing the club’s application. “Entry into the VFL and VFLW in 2026 is a priority for the club,” Devils chief executive Brendon Gale said. “Not only will this be a significant step forward for our club with the introduction of football operations, but it will also be an important addition to the local football ecosystem and serve as a great carrot to attract some of our best and brightest football talent home.

Loading “Despite not having final approval for our entry in 2026, we are building the operation on the basis that we will be playing due to the time frames we must meet. “This means we are actively, and excitingly, engaging with athletes and off-field personnel to take on roles with the club.” A Tasmanian team last played in the VFL in 2008. It was initially expected the Devils would be eased into state-league competition by only playing against AFL reserves teams.

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