Exciting young Cat, Sam De Koning committed to Geelong yesterday on a two year contract extension, keeping him at the club until at least the end of 2027.
With 65 AFL games under his belt, the premiership player became the next in a long line of young Cats to sign on with the club in recent weeks.
It follows the news that Shannon Neale, Ollie Henry and Toby Conway had re-signed, solidifying Geelong's emerging young core into the future.
De Koning said it was an easy decision for him at the end, extending his stay at a club that means so much to him.
"It is super exciting, I love where I am at and I love the footy club so I am keen to be here for another two years," De Koning told Cats Media.
"It is everything; the culture of the club, the coaches, the players, the friends I have made and where we are going. I feel like it is very exciting, I am keen for some more success hopefully over the next couple of years.
"We have got a good young core coming up, it is super exciting. The young boys coming up are so skilful, so talented and so hard working.
"The academy program that we drive at the club has been so successful in breeding young players, so to see them all playing and having them next to me on game day is exciting."
After starting his AFL career in defence, De Koning has made a switch to the ruck over the past 12 months with the Cats utilising his athleticism and skill-set.
The young star has sought the help of an experienced utility, Mark Blicavs to help him learn the role and to better understand the tricks of the trade.
De Koning said the relationship with Blicavs has been invaluable for him, as he continues to progress and develop as a ruckman.
"Mark Blicavs has been big for me," De Koning said.
"We have got a role where we are working together, so he is the driving force in where I want to be as a player.
"He has obviously done it for a lot of years, he is so consistent and if I can be half the player that he is then I will be happy.
"I am just trying to learn off him, to get some tips about how to be consistent and how to drive my performance up.
"He has been the big one for me."
The Geelong Football Club and Ford will celebrate their 100 year partnership this weekend, when the Cats take on Melbourne on Friday night at GMHBA Stadium.
As part of the celebrations, Geelong will have a number of exciting activations including a Ford premiership motorcade, a fan photo opportunity, while the VFL Cats will also be in action as a curtain raiser at GMHBA Stadium.
Tickets are still available for Geelong's Friday night clash with Melbourne, secure your seat via Ticketmaster.
