CATS swingman Sam De Koning has settled in defence as the former first-round draft selection strives to add to his career games tally in 2022.
The pick 19 in the 2019 National Draft made his debut in Round 5 last season as a forward in the absence of Jeremy Cameron.
The two-metre tall key position prospect impressed with some clean hands and ball use, but feels most as home in defence.
“I think I’ve slotted in fairly well into the backline so hopefully I get a few more opportunities this year and make a name for myself hopefully,” De Koning says.
“I do really see myself as a solid key back and played in the under 18s through that position.
“I feel really comfortable and Blitz and Stewy and the boys around me have really helped me out in that area so I feel comfortable and building towards the season.”
De Koning has added some size to his long frame over the off-season in hopes of matching it with the biggest and best forwards in the league.
“That’s a key area that I’ve worked with the dietician and the strength and conditioning coaches,” he says.
“I think I’ve done a decent job. I’ve got up to kind of where I want to be and where I can be my athletic self and also play against some big bodies so it’s really making me confident this pre-season.
“Hopefully I can take it up against some bigger opposition this year.”
They don’t come much bigger than Geelong’s resident full forward Tom Hawkins and De Koning has spent plenty of time matched up against the Cats colossus during match simulation.
“I love going up against Hawk, he’s such a competitor and he doesn’t give you an inch, so you really know where you’re at and where you stand when you play against him,” De Koning says.
“He’s a big strong boy and that’s probably the one area that I needed to work on this pre-season and get up to his level or close to it.
“He helps me along the way and I like to think that I’m helping him going into the season.
“I’ve got a lot of confidence playing against him. I’m doing a decent job most of the time, so he’s been great for me and helped me grow this pre-season.”
De Koning’s long limbs and incredible reach have been on show early in 2022, with soaring intercept marks becoming a feature of his defensive style.
Cats fans will be hoping to see it on GMHBA Stadium in the year ahead.
“I like to think that I can take a few marks. I find myself in a lot of those situations against some big opposition players,” he says
“I pride myself on my competitive nature and my contest work.
“Getting the ball back is good for the team so if I can take a few marks it’s always good.”
