Of all the high-profile AFL free agency switches this trade period, Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd believes one stands above the rest: Tom De Koning’s blockbuster move to St Kilda.
The former Carlton ruckman joined the Saints on a deal reportedly worth $1.7 million per season, with the Blues receiving Pick 9 as compensation. And while other names such as Jack Silvagni, Sam Draper, James Worpel and the soon-to-be Brisbane-bound Oscar Allen have made headlines, Lloyd says De Koning is the one who could truly elevate his new side.
“I think of all of those, only one who moves the needle where you can jump maybe four spots on the ladder or something like that, and that’s De Koning,” Lloyd said on Nine’s The Trade Off.
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“I know he didn’t have the best year, but he might have struggled to handle the pressure. I know Max Gawn said he can be the best ruck in the game.”
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The Saints have been the busiest side in this year’s trade period, chasing an aggressive $4.5 million recruiting drive that includes Sam Flanders, Leek Aleer and potentially Liam Ryan.
De Koning’s arrival, however, has already triggered movement elsewhere, with ruckman Rowan Marshall requesting a trade to Geelong after losing his starting role.
Lloyd believes the reshuffle makes perfect sense. “Everyone out of St Kilda likes to say that Marshall is a forward and can play well as a forward. I’ve seen moments, but I certainly think he’s a ruckman, not a forward,” he said. “I understand why he wants to leave St Kilda — when you bring all these players in on big money, you’re always going to lose someone.”