Eddie McGuire has voiced concern over the mental toll AFL trade speculation is taking on players, singling out Carlton’s Tom De Koning amid a reported $1.7 million-a-year offer from St Kilda.
De Koning, 25, is believed to be weighing a massive switch away from the Blues, and while he’s still clocking up career-best numbers in key stats like disposals and hit-outs, his recent form has dropped sharply.
MORE: Michael Voss denies Tom De Koning's Carlton situation due to St Kilda move
Carlton have lost their last three games and is all but out of the finals race.
McGuire, speaking on Nine's Eddie and Jimmy podcast, said the mental strain is clearly visible in the ruckman’s game.
“I hate it, because it's become a media fascination and trade period and all that stuff ... it's affecting the players,” McGuire said.
“If you're a Carlton supporter and you went to that game against Collingwood last week and you're sitting there and you're going 'is he trying?'. It makes you angrier and angrier.
“If you're sitting there and you even think it, and I don't think for a second Tom De Koning was doing anything other than having a real go—he just had a bad night—but I think mentally he is shot.”
Contract talk hurting his football, says Hird
Former Essendon coach James Hird echoed McGuire’s concerns, pointing to the mental load of choosing between loyalty and a life-changing payday.
MORE: Tom De Koning's plummeting form amid Carlton's 2025 capitulation
“I think it's affecting the way he's playing. He's not playing great football. He's definitely a great player and better than he is playing,” Hird said.
“I feel like he wants to stay at Carlton, but the money is such that it has put him in two minds, and it is affecting his football.”
Despite being pushed into a forward role in recent weeks, De Koning hasn’t registered a goal. Carlton face Brisbane next on Thursday night.