Cats’ left field trade target that could secure star

Former Swan Dan Hannebery has declared Geelong defender Sam De Koning could be “gettable” in the upcoming trade period.
Despite still being contracted with Geelong until the end of 2025, Hannebery is convinced a deal could be struck that would see the premiership Cat land elsewhere.
“My mail is that he could be potentially gettable, Sam De Koning,” Hannebery said on SEN Radio on Tuesday.
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“A little birdy told me Sam De Koning coudl leave Geelong, even though he’s contracted.”
But exactly how does a potential deal get done?
Sam De Koning of the Cats celebrates kicking a goal in round 17. Getty
Well, with the Cats now confirmed to be in conversation with Melbourne star midfielder Clayton Oliver, it’s another club who could connect a three-way trade.
“I’d love to see whether Carlton could get involved. We somehow get him to Carlton,” he said.
“And then Carlton give Melbourne a pick that allows that (Oliver) trade to be fulfilled.
“Clayton to Geelong, De Koning to Carlton and Carlton give some more picks to Melbourne. I think it could potentially be something that could work.”
Sam De Koning injured his knee in round 21 of the 2024 season. via Getty Images
De Koning is a 2022 premiership player and came runner up in that year’s rising star award, which was won by Nick Daicos.
During 2023, the 23-year-old suffered a facial fracture and wore a mask during some games.
This season, he missed out on selection in the Cats’ preliminary final side, after suffering knee injury that forced him into surgery late in the home-and-away fixture.
His brother, Tom De Koning, is Carlton’s ruckman.
The Cats have not spoken out about a potential De Koning move, but with big names like Oliver and Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith linked to the club, they’ll have to budge somewhere to make it all work.