In the wash-up from Thursday night's defeat, there were a number of shining lights that rose to the challenge for Geelong and things they can carry forward from the trip to Adelaide. 

Patrick Dangerfield shone in the midfield, Connor O'Sullivan continued his incredible season down back, but Sam De Koning's move into the ruck might have been the standout performance for the Cats in a tough interstate trip. 

De Koning finished the night with 11 clearances, comfortably the most on the ground and eclipsing his previous career-high of five clearances, while also winning 16 hit-outs to have a significant impact around stoppages. 

He was also able to find plenty of the footy, equalling another career-high with 25 disposals (23 contested), while still picking off five intercept possessions in a remarkable outing. 

Cameron Ling and Zach Tuohy discussed De Koning's impact on this week's episode of 'To the Final Bell,' with Tuohy noting how clean the young Cat was with ball in hand. 

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 04: Sam De Koning of the Cats and Lachlan McAndrew of the Crows during the 2026 AFL Round 13 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Geelong Cats at Adelaide Oval on June 4, 2026 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos)

"I thought he was excellent, I thought it was one of the best games I've seen him play," Tuohy said. 

"I mean he has played some very good games this year, but that was outstanding.

"I reckon he was crazy clean, even below his knees late when we really started noticing his impact calling the game.

"We thought he must have had a stack of it, but I just think he was super clean below his knees and around the ground. I thought it was a brilliant game."

28:24

To The Final Bell Round 14 | White Out Week Is HERE!!

Lingy and Reg discuss the Adelaide game, review the weekend of VFL performances and look ahead to a massive White Out homegame against the Suns!

De Koning is in the midst of a terrific 2026 season, leading the Cats for intercept marks and sitting third for intercept possessions, while still able to go into the middle and impact the contest. 

He has formed a strong partnership with the likes of Connor O'Sullivan and Tom Stewart down back, also providing support for Mitch Edwards in his first season at the top level. 

Cameron Ling discussed De Koning's best position and how the Cats can utilise him best moving forward. 

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 04: Sam De Koning of the Cats rucks against Lachlan McAndrew of the Crows during the round 13 AFL match between Adelaide Crows and Geelong Cats at Adelaide Oval, on June 04, 2026, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

"Connor O'Sullivan was great again and gave SDK a licence, being able to go into the ruck," Ling said. 

"The way those two are starting to work with who takes what match-up, they are obviously clearly comfortable with O'Sullivan back now. But Sam can play there or not play there, whatever suits the team best.

"I have always wanted him played back and let him settle there, but then pinch hit in the ruck.

"That is also helping Mitch's [Edwards] growth in the ruck. But you are right, maybe in there here and now, as Mitch is embarking on his first senior season, he will probably get sore and maybe the combination of Blicavs and De Koning can rotate."