AFLRATINGS NEWS: Sam De Koning could be set to play a pivotal role for Geelong this season.Â
He has trained at the ruck position throughout pre-season along with time spent in defence and forward.
During Monday’s practice match against Hawthorn De Koning was used at 83.3% of team centre bounces at the ruck position in the first half. Â
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Geelong assistant coach James Rahilly said yesterday that De Koning can play ruck and defence.Â
He added the club now has several options available including Mitch Edwards to play ruck, Edwards was used at 57.9% of team centre bounces at the ruck position after half time on Monday while Rhys Stanley was used at 26.3%.
Toby Conway is currently sidelined with a back injury and is several weeks away at a minimum from being available to play at AFL level.Â
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GM of Football Andrew Mackie said on Tuesday (via SEN) that De Koning is physically ready to ruck.Â
Senior coach Chris Scott now has several options with versatility at the ruck position rather than just one in Mark Blicavs.
De Koning underwent knee surgery at the end of the 2024 season and slowly integrated back into training over summer.Â
For a period last year De Koning was used at 82.4% of team centre bounces without Rhys Stanley between rounds 15-19.Â
Geelong have multiple options in defence to start the year which could push De Koning to another role, there is also a chance his role could adjust within games.Â
PLAYER CARD: Sam De Koning
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