Based on the expectations and analysis provided, there is certainly optimism surrounding Tom De Koning’s potential breakout year in 2024. Standing at 201cm tall, De Koning possesses the versatility to play as a ruckman or key forward, making him a valuable asset for Carlton.
Despite being highly sought after by rival clubs, De Koning opted to stay with Carlton, signifying his commitment to the club’s future. With a new two-year extension until at least the end of 2025, there is anticipation that De Koning will continue to develop and fulfill his potential.
Montagna, speaking on Fox Footy’s First Crack Season Preview show, suggests that deploying De Koning primarily as a ruckman, with Harry McKay providing backup, could unlock other aspects of Carlton’s game. This tactical adjustment aligns with Carlton’s aspirations for success in the upcoming season.
Given his physical attributes and the faith shown in him by Carlton’s coaching staff, 2024 could indeed be the year that Tom De Koning emerges as a prominent figure in the AFL, potentially cementing his status as a full-fledged star in the league. However, as with any young player, continued development and consistency will be key factors in realizing this potential.
Former AFL player Montagna believes it’s time for Tom De Koning to take on the role of the primary ruckman for Carlton. He points to De Koning’s impressive form and statistics in the latter part of the season as evidence of his readiness for this responsibility. Montagna suggests that utilizing De Koning predominantly in the ruck could benefit Carlton’s playing style, particularly in terms of increasing their explosiveness and ability to execute a counter-attacking game plan.
Montagna advocates for reducing Marc Pittonet’s role in the team, stating that Pittonet’s presence might slow down Carlton’s game. Instead, he proposes that Harry McKay assumes the secondary ruck duties, drawing a comparison to Joe Daniher’s success in a similar role where Daniher managed to kick 60 goals while playing as a secondary ruckman.
By implementing this strategy, Montagna believes Carlton could afford Charlie Curnow more freedom in the forward line. He suggests that this setup would allow for more flexibility in the forward structure and potentially increase the team’s transition and ball speed.
Montagna acknowledges De Koning’s limited impact as a forward and suggests that focusing on his development as the primary ruckman would be more beneficial for Carlton. Overall, Montagna’s analysis proposes a tactical adjustment for Carlton aimed at optimizing their playing style and maximizing the contributions of their key players.
Former AFL player King has raised concerns about the forward line of the Carlton Football Club, suggesting that the team’s success could be hindered by stress in their offensive setup.
King has urged the other forwards of the team to elevate their performances in the 2024 season. He remarked that while players like Curnow and Harry have received attention for their contributions, there is a need for more consistency and dominance from the entire forward line.
He highlighted Motlop as a rising talent but expressed doubts about the overall strength of the forward 50. King emphasized the importance of getting significant returns from the forward line, indicating that it’s his primary concern for the team.
He questioned the team’s ability to score goals consistently if key players like Charlie Curnow do not replicate their past performances. King suggested that there might be a lack of depth in the forward line beyond the top players, which could pose a challenge for Carlton in the upcoming season.
Overall, King’s remarks highlight the importance of a well-rounded and potent forward line for Carlton’s success in the future, emphasizing the need for improvement and consistency across all forward positions.
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