Former Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer is excited about Tom De Koning’s future.
Kreuzer, now 33, worked closely with the 23-year-old after returning to the club as ruck coach ahead of the 2022 season.
Having played 189 games in the role from 2008 to 2020, Kreuzer has a deep understanding of ruck craft and believes De Koning has several elite traits.
While De Koning only operated as the club’s first-choice ruck when Marc Pittonet went down with an injury in Round 6, Kreuzer believes the growth he achieved during that period will hold his future in good stead.
“It was great for Tommy last year (to play), but obviously it was sad for Pitto to go down,” Kreuzer said on SEN Mornings.
“But it gave Tommy his chance to be that number one ruck for a number of weeks.
“We saw the growth in that time when he was playing just what he can do.
“He’s got that power and that real x-factor, he can take some great marks and his follow-up is unbelievable.”
Having spent most of his 41 senior games in a forward/ruck role, Kreuzer believes De Koning can “take his game to the next level” with a big pre-season in the weights room as he looks to mature in his sixth year at the level.
“Tom is still young and developing,” Kreuzer said.
“Just getting those games under his belt and working out to get his strength so he can compete against your Gawn, Grundy and Sean Darcy’s (will help).
“Just a little bit more time in the gym to get bigger and stronger and getting games under his belt will take his game to the next level.”
Carlton’s first to four-year players are set to begin their pre-season training next Monday with the rest of the group due back in early December.