Blues big man Tom De Koning did little to ease Carlton fans' concerns about their star ruckman committing to the club beyond 2025, neatly avoiding questions about his future in navy blue.
De Koning has spent eight years in the league after the Blues selected him at Pick 30 in 2017, but he will finish the year as a free agent. He has become an integral part of the team and Blues fans are eagerly awaiting his decision.
Just one day after Gold Coast Suns superstar Matt Rowell put all rumours to rest by simply answering "yes" to whether he would be at the club beyond this year, De Koning was unable to provide the same clarity.
"Definitely not setting a timeline. My main focus right now is playing Round 1 against Richmond," he said.
"It's nothing that my teammates haven't gone through before and me as well two years ago. I'm in a position that's no different to Crippa, Charlie, Walshy, Harry, those sort of players. So I'm really happy to wear that and I just can't wait to play.
"Carlton's the team that picked me in the draft and I've absolutely loved my time. I feel like I've grown with this playing group and we've had a lot of games together.
"I'm just really excited to see what this season has to play and how we can go, because we're in a really good position to challenge for the top spot."
Carlton will look to get their season off to a hot start when they take on Richmond at the MCG in Round 1 on March 13.
