Sam De Koning has suddenly been given a lot of responsibility at Geelong by being named at full back in just his second game, anointed as best 22 as a replacement for the retired Lachie Henderson. He has a lot of weight on his shoulders from fantasy coaches too, many of whom are starting him despite a fairly small sample size of performances at senior level. The big question is how startable he is, especially when Tom Stewart is in the side. Without Stewart he can play that intercept role, but Henderson's job was far more back-shoulder. Today's game will be closely watched.
Sam De Koning has suddenly been given a lot of responsibility at Geelong by being named at full back in just his second game, anointed as best 22 as a replacement for the retired Lachie Henderson. He has a lot of weight on his shoulders from fantasy coaches too, many of whom are starting him despite a fairly small sample size of performances at senior level. The big question is how startable he is, especially when Tom Stewart is in the side. Without Stewart he can play that intercept role, but Henderson's job was far more back-shoulder. Today's game will be closely watched.
Road opens for SDK
As the younger brother of Carlton's Tom, Sam De Koning is an athletic defender capable of being flung forward when needed. His excellent intercept marking and consistent Vic Country showings were largely the reason why the Cats nabbed him at pick 19, notching up 12 disposals and five marks at the Championships. Standing over two metres tall, De Koning will need time to add some muscle to his slender frame before he can compete with the larger key forwards. His game isn't fantasy friendly either, so let's overlook him for now.