It's been generally accepted that Carlton star Tom De Koning is joining St Kilda for next season.
The Saints are offering up to $700,000-a-season more than what the Blues can give 25-year-old ruckman because of their salary cap constraints.
This makes for a pretty straightforward decision for De Koning, especially with Carlton's future prospects looking bleaker after losing to Collingwood by 56 points at the MCG on Friday night.
With De Koning struggling to impact the match and playing out of the goalsquare at full forward, Collingwood's cheer squad decided to sing St Kilda's theme song while the Blues gun was in earshot.
MORE: 'We let our club down tonight' - Michael Voss disappointed by Carlton performance
Oh my… peak trolling from the Pies Cheer Squad 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/NuQPrpNza9
— Shrapnel😇 (@Shrappy71) July 4, 2025
De Koning had his lowest-rated game of the season against the Magpies, with only 11 disposals, 12 hitouts and 66 ranking points.
In an interesting move by Blues coach Michael Voss, De Koning spent most of the match in the forward line, with Marc Pittonet taking the bulk of the ruck duties.
Pittonet could be first-choice ruckman for Carlton next season, if the Blues lose De Koning and don't opt to trade in an experienced replacement.
Carlton have been linked with a play for Adelaide veteran Reilly O'Brien, with Essendon ruck Sam Draper rumoured to be considering the Crows as an option.