Carlton star Tom De Koning has almost locked in his move to St Kilda for next season, according to a prominent AFL journalist.
The Saints have offered the 25-year-old a seven-year deal at a reported $1.7 million-a-season, while the Blues can only pitch around a $1 million annually because of salary cap constraints.
De Koning has been weighing up his decision for most of the campaign, but appears close to making a call as Carlton's 2025 season form declines.
St Kilda are feeling positive that their pursuit of De Koning will end up successful as the time to lock in a decision edges closer, reports Channel 7's Caroline Wilson.
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"I think they are more confident of getting the big bloke from Carlton (Tom De Koning)," Wilson said on The Agenda Setters.
"I think that Tom De Koning is 90 per cent now going to St Kilda and St Kilda are quite happy with how those negotiations are going.
"They are rapt with [the possibility of acquiring] Tom De Koning."
The entire Carlton club is under pressure following a loss to North Melbourne last weekend, with calls from critics for coach Michael Voss to be axed.
St Kilda have also been struggling in season 2025, sitting in the bottom four with five wins from 14 games this season, and only one victory in their last six matches.