Zac Williams knows better than most the big decision Carlton free agent Tom De Koning faces on his AFL future.
But he expects the laid-back ruckman to put thoughts of big contract offers aside and focus on getting the Blues off to a hot start.
Restricted free agent De Koning, 25, is attracting attention from St Kilda, while the Blues have reportedly put a seven-year deal in front of him.
Williams, who left GWS for Carlton via free agency at the end of 2020, understands the process.
"For me it was a long process. I was still going through all that stuff during COVID. I was away from family and stuff like that," Williams said.
"It is a big decision, but at the same time Tom loves it here at the club and he knows that all the boys and all the staff here love him as well.
"That'll just work itself out through the year and I think Tom's just looking forward to starting the season and playing some good football."
Williams noted De Koning's teammates had seized the opportunity to joke about his high-profile contract situation but were leaving him to deal with it.
"That's all him and it's all personal stuff," he said.
"Him and the club will work it out when it needs to be worked out."
Midfielder Adam Cerra is just happy to be on the end of athletic ruckman De Koning's first-class ruck work in Thursday night's round-one clash with Richmond at the MCG.
"We're lucky enough to have a few ruckmen that are very good in the air and compete really well," Cerra said.
"We saw last Friday just how dominant Tom can be.
"When he's up and going, he can be a real barometer for us, so super excited to play with him, kicking off this Thursday."
Both Cerra and Williams, who have had rough injury runs, are fit and ready to go.
Former dashing half-back Williams, 30, expects to remain as a small forward but is happy to play Mr Fix-it for coach Michael Voss when required.
"I've had a full pre-season and I've worked on my craft with Jesse Motlop, Corey Durden and all the small forwards over the pre-season," he said.
"I'm really excited to start round one and lock into that role.
"I've had conversations with Vossy that in games it (going into the midfield or defence) could happen.
"For me, it's just being confident now. No matter where I'm playing and no matter what role, if I'm feeling comfortable, I think Vossy will feel pretty confident and just flick me around wherever he needs to."
