Walking inside the four walls at GMHBA Stadium, one thing immediately stands out and that is the presence of champions, both past and present that have strongly contributed to the making of the Geelong Football Club. 

It is an important factor, particularly for new players, those looking to find their feet at the elite level and learning how to adapt to the rigours of an intense and uncompromising competition. 

When Sam De Koning joined the Cats at the end of 2019, there was no shortage of talent on-field with the likes of Gary Ablett Junior, Joel Selwood and Tom Hawkins leading the way in the Hoops. 

Even in the COVID-affected 2020 and 2021 seasons, the emerging defender was able to learn and grow under the tutelage of some standout role models, helping to prepare him for his chance with Geelong's AFL team. 

It paved the way for De Koning to earn his AFL debut in 2021 before going on to enjoy a breakout season in 2022, with the young gun noting some of the key influences on him ahead of his 100th game on Thursday night. 

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Sam De Koning Press Conference | 100 AFL Games

Sam De Koning spoke to the media ahead of his 100th AFL game, this Thursday against the Lions. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.

"There has been countless, I don't really want to go listing names in case I forget, but I will list a couple," De Koning said. 

"Harry Taylor was huge for me when I first got to the club, he really took me under his wing and we had that year in COVID where I wasn't playing much footy and didn't look like it.

"I was young and skinny, but he taught me a lot of the stuff that he learned over his time and that helped me catapult myself into my first year playing AFL footy. I have stuck in the team since then, so I will be forever grateful for what he did for me.

"Mark Blicavs also, as a role model in my career and I think that if I can be half as good as he is, or have as much influence as he has around the club then I will be happy.

"The coaches like 'Scotty,' 'Kel,' 'Bucks' obviously, there has been so many over my time and so many more out there."

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Sam De Koning of the Geelong Cats celebrates kicking a goal during the 2022 AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 24, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/AFL Photos)

De Koning has been in a strong vein of form so far in 2026, currently sitting second at the club for intercept marks, spoils and ranking third for intercept possessions, while also pushing into the ruck at times and having an impact around stoppages. 

Able to find his brilliant best this season, De Koning credited Nathan Buckley as a significant impact on his game in his time with the Cats. 

"I think 'Bucks' being on our coaching panel has been really good for me, he has filled me with confidence," De Koning said. 

"He lets me go out there and play my game, to try and influence the game. But I am just another year older, a few more skills learned over the off-season and during the pre-season to build that confidence.

"I didn't know him prior, the first time I met him was when he came into the club for training.

"It is a good coach-player relationship, he gives me confidence and he is a very positive person, he really sees the potential in my game with how I can influence the team and how I can help us win. He has been a good influence on my year so far, and on the club as a whole."

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Sam De Koning of the Cats celebrates with Joel Selwood of the Cats after winning the 2022 AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 24, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/AFL Photos)

De Koning announced himself to the competition in 2022, playing just his second AFL game in Geelong's season-opener against Essendon and finishing the year as one of the competition's best key defenders. 

He played a significant role as the Cats went on their 16-game win streak which ultimately resulted in a premiership, with the young defender kicking a memorable first goal in the Grand Final to put the cherry on top of a stellar season. 

The breakout campaign also resulted in De Koning winning Geelong's Best Young Player Award, while also marking the first of two consecutive selections in the AFLPA's 22Under22 Team. 

From there he has continued to grow, currently enjoying an impressive and consistent 2026 season to further establish himself as one of the most important players in Geelong's line-up. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: Sam De Koning of the Cats, Oliver Wiltshire of the Cats, Bailey Smith of the Cats and Oliver Dempsey of the Cats pose following the round three AFL match between Geelong Cats and Adelaide Crows at GMHBA Stadium, on March 26, 2026, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Ahead of his milestone match on Thursday night, De Koning noted how special it is to be able to celebrate his journey in the Hoops. 

"It is a great feeling to be able to play 100 games for Geelong," De Koning said. 

"I am just grateful that I got the opportunity, to be trusted in the team 100 times is pretty special.

"It is something that I will be forever grateful to the club for."