Tom De Koning's struggling Carlton form could be down to a significant injury, as it was revealed St Kilda could possibly offer the star ruckman more to join their club.
The Blues star has struggled to impact matches over the last month and has spent the majority of the past two games in the forward line, managing to only kick one goal.
With the Saints reportedly offering an undecided De Koning $1.7 million-a-season over seven years to join the club, it was thought the player's form could be down due to the stress of making a decision between St Kilda and Carlton.
However, Damien Barrett revealed on Footy Classified that De Koning suffered a 'significant larynx injury' against St Kilda in Round 9 that has caused him 'trouble breathing' since.
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Despite De Koning's battling performances, the Saints could yet offer more money and more years on top of their reported initial offer in a bid to sway the Carlton tall to commit to a Moorabbin move.
“The interesting point with St Kilda, you talk to people in and around this space, and they would say it’s only an initial offer from St Kilda and perhaps there’s more room in the salary cap and more bullets in the chamber,” journalist Sam McClure said on Footy Classified.
When asked if that meant the Saints could extend the length or add money to their De Koning offer, McClure said: “I think they could pull either lever.
“He hasn’t told his management, St Kilda or Carlton what he’s doing. But I’d be surprised now if St Kilda let this guy slip through their grasp because of the money they have.”
Carlton will take on Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday night with De Koning set for a tough battle with either Max Gawn in the ruck or Steven May in defence.