Interstate rival reportedly targeting out-of-contract Cat

The Gold Coast Suns are reportedly keen on luring Geelong premiership player Sam De Koning to the club, who is out of contract beyond 2025.

De Koning had a breakout season in Geelong's premiership year, playing 23 games with a key role in defence. De Koning's position has become less solidified in the succeeding seasons, floating between defence and the ruck in 2023 and 2024, with the latter his most likely position to begin 2025.

Geelong has lacked a genuine ruck option for multiple seasons, however, the athletic De Koning could become their hit-out stalwart with the emergence of Connor O'Sullivan set to stake his claim for a spot in the best 23.

Opposingly, the Gold Coast ruck stocks are well replenished, with veteran Jarrod Witts still owning the number one ruck role, while Ned Moyle is well developed and prepped to take over when Witts' time comes.

However, De Koning's key positional traits could be of value to the Suns' backline, emerging with the talents of Mac Andrew, Sam Collins and Sam Flanders.

Whilst it is anticipated De Koning will flesh out a new deal with Geelong after denying trade speculation in 2024, the Suns are reportedly keeping tabs on the 24-year-old, with a hand of three first-round draft picks available to potentially persuade Geelong if a trade becomes viable, according to AFL.com.au's Callum Twomey.

Gold Coast, who are regularly reliant on Academy draftees, may utilise their trio of early selections to target a developed star, as they did in the last off-season by landing Daniel Rioli and John Noble, while amassing enough draft points to still secure Leo Lombard.

Geelong has been targeting the Suns for potential future recruits as well, with star midfielder Matt Rowell meeting with key Cats figures in October, although the Suns' weapon has been emphatic in his likelihood to re-sign.

Additionally, De Koning's brother, Tom, has reportedly been offered a massive seven-year deal to remain a Blue at over $1 million per season, with lucrative interest from Victorian rival St Kilda coming for the out-of-contract ruck.