Tall defender who starred for Vic Country in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and was named All-Australian. Will take time to develop in the gym, but has the athletic attributes to tackle the AFL’s best forwards in the future. Has also played forward and can provide an option in the ruck. One of 10 children, De Koning’s brother Tom plays at Carlton, while father Terry played 31 games for Footscray from 1980-82.