SAM De Koning's outstanding season has seen him recognised with inclusion in the 2022 AFLPA's 22Under22 team.

De Koning was named at full back after 95% of fans included him in their sides.

After making his debut in Round 5 last year, De Koning played 20 games during the home and away season. 

The 21-year-old averaged 12.3 disposals and 5.5 spoils, and finished the regular season ranked equal seventh in the competition for intercept marks (2.9 per game).

Sam De Koning Showreel

  • 07:15
    Highlights
    Highlights

    Team Highlights | Round 3 vs Adelaide

    Every player did their bit in a gritty win over the Crows in Round 3, watch the best bits here.

    AFL
  • 06:28
    Press Conference
    Press Conference

    Sam De Koning | Press Conference

    Sam De Koning spoke with the media in the lead up to our pre-season match. Presented by Ford

    AFL
  • 03:47
    Feature
    Feature

    SDK & Max Face Off In The LKK Cooking Challenge Decider!

    After an epic cook-off powered by the bold flavours of @LeeKumKeeAustralia, it’s over to @DeclanCleary to crown the winner! Who do you think has the superior wok skills?

    AFL
  • 07:58
    Press Conference
    Press Conference

    Sam De Koning Press Conference | Finals Week 2

    Sam De Koning spoke with the media in the lead up to the Preliminary Final. Presented by Ford.

    AFL
  • 02:35
    Interview
    Interview

    Sam De Koning Interview | Post Match

    Sam De Koning gathered 8 spoils in a strong defensive performance against the Hawks. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.

    AFL
  • 43:36
    Podcast
    Podcast

    To The Final Bell Round 5 | Sam De Koning Chats Footy & Focus

    Sam De Koning joins the panel off the back of signing a new 2 year deal, and chats through some of his passions outside of football. Lingy and Meg talk all things Melbourne and look ahead to Gather Round. Proudly Presented by GMHBA.

    AFL
    podcasts
  • 00:38
    Highlights
    Highlights

    SDK does it his way second time around

    Sam De Koning almost squanders his opportunity in front of goal, but recovers to nail a slick snap

    AFL
  • 03:11
    Interview
    Interview

    Sam De Koning Interview | Re-signing until 2027

    Sam De Koning talks to Cats Media after putting pen to paper and signing a two year deal, keeping him in Geelong colours until 2027. Proudly Presented by Ford

    AFL
  • 00:51
    Highlights
    Highlights

    SDK seals stellar day with slick strike

    Sam De Koning puts the exclamation mark on a standout game in the ruck with one smooth finish

    AFL
  • 01:13
    Feature
    Feature

    The Players Make THEIR Choices

    See which Cats the players pick for their awards this season, with Rogue Predictions Proudly Presented by Marathon.

    AFL
  • 02:09

    Roaming De Koning | Junior Member Clinic

    Sam De Koning caught up with a few of our Junior Members to ask them some important questions of their future. Proudly Presented by Deakin University

    AFL
  • 01:58
    Highlights
    Highlights

    2025 Season Review | Sam De Koning

    After spending the start of the year in the ruck, Sam De Koning settled down back to his traditional key defensive post and had a consistent 2025 season.

    AFL
  • 01:57
    Feature
    Feature

    Travel With SDK | Round 20

    Sam De Koning takes us along on our journey to Tassie to take on the Roos. Proudly Presented by Geelong Travel.

    AFL
  • 01:45
    Highlights
    Highlights

    Sam De Koning Highlights | Round 17

    Sam De Koning played a fantastic game in the ruck, getting around the ground and kicking 2 goals.

    AFL
  • 00:33
    Highlights
    Highlights

    De Koning swings past for sizzling checkside

    Sam De Koning brings up his second goal of the contest in super fashion

    AFL
  • 12:20
    Interview
    Interview

    Sam De Koning Interview | RSN Breakfast

    Sam De Koning spoke to RSN breakfast this morning, after Geelong's win over the Bombers.

    AFL
  • 02:43
    Highlights
    Highlights

    The dynamic De Koning battle

    Tom De Koning and Sam De Koning go head-to-head in an enthralling contest

    AFL
  • 01:04

    Sam De Koning | 50 Games

    Key Defender Sam De Koning will celebrate his 50th AFL game this weekend, when he and the Cats take on the Blues at the 'G!

    AFL
  • 06:10
    Press Conference
    Press Conference

    Sam De Koning Press Conference | Round 7

    Listen to Sam De Koning as he speaks to media ahead of Geelong's Round 7 clash with Carlton. Proudly Presented by Ford

    AFL
  • 05:57

    Sam De Koning | Press Conference

    Sam De Koning spoke to media ahead of Geelong's Round 7 game against the Bombers. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.

    AFL

The 204cm key defender registered a career-high 19 disposals and 9 marks in Geelong's Round 11 win against Adelaide to earn himself a Rising Star nomination.

Eligibility rules meant players had to be 22 or under for the entirety of the season, inclusive of finals, and have played a minimum of 11 games this year.

VIEW FULL TEAM