Josh Jenkins has “big, big wraps” on young Geelong tall Sam De Koning.
The 20-year-old, who stands at 202cm, is entering his third season at the Cats with one senior appearance next to his name.
In a show of faith by the Cats, De Koning signed a two-year contract extension last March, tying him to the club until at least the end of 2023.
Jenkins is excited by De Koning’s potential to assume a key defensive post following Lachie Henderson’s retirement at the end of last season.
Subscribe to the SEN YouTube channel for the latest videos!
“Round 1, bang, lock him in if I get any say, which I’ll be getting no say whatsoever,” ex-Cat Jenkins told SEN Breakfast.
“He’ll have to live with some growing pains because he’s a young tall.
“You won’t even remember Lachie Henderson and Harry Taylor after he plays about 40 games.
“He’s got the potential to be an out and out star at centre half-back.”
Jenkins will work with De Koning and Geelong’s other talls after accepting a part-time coaching role for 2022.
De Koning, the younger brother of Carlton ruckman Tom De Koning, was selected by the Cats with pick No.19 in the 2019 National Draft.