Secret TDK meeting details revealed; $900k domino in Vic club’s war chest — Trade Whispers

Details of the secret meeting that has left the Blues optimistic that Tom De Koning could recommit to the club.

Plus, the key trade domino that could further add to a Victorian club’s “pool of cash” as it plots a bid for a rival star.

Stay up to date with the latest player movement developments with AFL Trade Whispers!

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SECRET TDK MEETING INSPIRES BLUES HOPE

A secret meeting between in-demand Carlton free agent Tom De Koning and incoming Blues chief executive Graham Wright has left some at the club hopeful of the star ruckman re-signing, per a report.

De Koning, who continues to ponder over a life-changing seven-year, $1.6 million-per-year offer from St Kilda, reportedly met with Wright before Carlton’s trip west to play the Eagles.

And according to Nine journalist Sam McClure, senior Blues figures “walked away from knowledge of that meeting ... (thinking) ‘maybe there’s a chance he stays’.”

McClure told Footy Classified on Monday night: “Really interesting situation. I think, as of two weeks ago, there was a resignation internally at Carlton that he was going to join St Kilda on this mega deal.

“I can tell you tonight, that on Friday, before leaving for Perth, Tom De Koning actually asked for a meeting with the incoming chief executive Graham Wright.

“They had that meeting above the gym at the football club in Brian Cook’s office — the man who is about to leave as chief executive — and in that meeting, De Koning essentially asked Graham Wright ... ‘OK, if I am going to stay at this football club, what is going to change?’

“Really interesting conversation, and I can tell you tonight that senior Carlton people walked away from knowledge of that meeting — including some of his senior teammates — thinking ‘OK, we thought this guy was gone, but if he’s seeking these sorts of meetings, maybe there’s a chance he stays’.”

McClure was asked if that meant De Koning believed change was necessary at Carlton.

“I think that there is a senior group of Carlton players who believe that they have enough talent at the club’s disposal to get them closer to a flag than what they are, but clearly ... there is change needed,” he said.

“It’s just what levers they pull, and what Graham Wright decides to do.”

Wright is preparing to succeed the 70-year-old Cook, whose contract at Carlton ends in October.

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DOGS’ WAR CHEST FOR STAR PURSUIT

The Western Bulldogs are building a “pool of cash” in order to pursue a rival star this year or next, and if Jamarra Ugle-Hagan departs at season’s end, the war chest will balloon.

Ugle-Hagan returned to Whitten Oval on Monday, and while there’s newfound optimism around his future at the club, many remain resigned to the likelihood he’ll be playing elsewhere in 2026.

The former No.1 pick is contracted through next year, but the Sydney Swans are thought to be the likeliest rival landing spot for the troubled key forward.

If a trade is the eventual outcome for the 23-year-old, it would open up even more space in an already-lucrative Dogs war chest as they plot a future move for Victorian-native Power star Zak Butters.

“His return (on Monday) is a positive, but with trust at the club still to be rebuilt, not even a contract can guarantee Jamarra will be there at the Dogs next year,” reporter Mitch Cleary told Seven.

“Should he depart, it would add to the pool of cash for the pursuit of Port star Zak Butters this year or next.

“Ugle-Hagan is on more than $800,000 next year. Jack Macrae and Caleb Daniel’s departures also leave a hole in the 2026 salary cap, as well as Bailey Smith, who the Dogs had set money aside for.”

Cleary believes Ugle-Hagan is owed $800-900,000 next year, while Macrae was owed $650-750,000, Daniel $600-700,000, and $800-900,000 was set aside for the potential re-signing of Smith. It could total more than $2.5 million in savings in 2026.

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