Lucrative Offers on the Horizon: Carlton Stars Face Key Decisions Ahead

Carlton faces significant decisions as it navigates the challenges ahead, with a stark reality check looming regarding the upper echelon of its squad.

The Blues have commenced the season with an unflattering record of 0-2, including a loss to Richmond, tipped to finish at the bottom of the ladder. Doubts are already surfacing about their squad depth and whether they can mount a serious premiership challenge this year.

The club currently boasts a top-heavy roster, featuring All-Australians Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh, Jacob Weitering, Charlie Curnow, and Harry McKay, all reportedly on seven-figure salaries.

If Tom De Koning opts to extend his stay with Carlton, he will join this elite group. The pressing question for the Blues is whether they can contend for a flag with approximately 34 per cent of their $17.7 million salary cap tied up in just six players.

Over the off-season, Carlton made the tough decision to part ways with players such as Matthew Kennedy, Matthew Owies, Jack Martin, and Caleb Marchbank, primarily to create salary cap flexibility ahead of major contract renewals.

This move has left their depth somewhat lacking, a reality that has become apparent in the opening rounds of their season.

In addition to De Koning’s impending decision, vice-captain Walsh is out of contract and set to become a free agent in 2026. AFL Media reporter Cal Twomey anticipates that rival clubs will actively pursue the talented midfielder this year.

“(Sam) Walsh will receive lucrative offers this year. He’s already one of the Blues’ million-dollar players and is likely eyeing the captaincy,” Twomey said on AFL Media’s Gettable.

“As a pre-agent (a year before free agency), he is poised to attract significant attention this year, especially if Carlton continues to struggle.”

“What do I think about him leaving? No, I don’t believe he will. However, I expect him to receive several offers this year, and Carlton will strive to secure his signature,” she added.

Meanwhile, De Koning is reportedly deliberating a substantial offer from St Kilda. While the Blues are offering him a seven-figure salary, the Saints have greater financial freedom.

In an exclusive chat with WWOS prior to Round 1, he addressed speculation regarding his future.

“I recognise there’s considerable discussion about my future, which is part and parcel of being in the spotlight,” he stated.

“That said, I aim to concentrate on what I can control—my on-field performance and my daily routine. Over the years, I’ve realised that getting wrapped up in external chatter regarding large contracts or expectations isn’t beneficial.”

The ruckman is a free agent, and Carlton stands to receive a premium compensation pick if he chooses to leave.

Carlton does not control its first-round pick this year after trading it to Hawthorn as part of acquiring the third pick in the 2024 National Draft. Allowing De Koning to leave could provide them with more salary cap space and the opportunity to inject some promising youth into the team.

If Carlton’s 2025 campaign takes a downward turn, could the club contemplate a gentle reset? That would likely be a hard sell to supporters, who have witnessed only four finals triumphs in the last 15 years.

De Koning has emerged as one of the AFL’s premier ruckmen in the past year and has commenced 2025 in outstanding form.

However, with two significant contract decisions on the horizon over the next two seasons, the prospect of a reset exists if Carlton chooses to embrace it.