Versatile Geelong tall Sam De Koning has described being overlooked for the Cats' two finals last year as the hardest period of his AFL career.
After hurting his knee late in the 2024 season against Adelaide, the premiership defender was fit and available in September, but featured in both of Geelong's VFL finals losses instead of at AFL level.
De Koning, who starred down back in 2022 as Geelong powered to the flag, was sitting in the stands when the Cats lost a preliminary final thriller to eventual premiers the Brisbane Lions.
"Probably the hardest point of my AFL career so far, not being in that side that was pushing through finals," the 24-year-old said after Geelong's win against Melbourne on Friday night.
"I knew what I could bring for the team, and injuries just came the wrong time.
"I've processed that, and I was happy for the players that were coming in, and were doing an amazing job, and we came so close.
"It actually helped me grow so much over the pre-season, and showed me what it takes to be an AFL player and a consistent one.
"I really wanted to work hard and come back from surgery and really have an impact at the start of the year."
De Koning's injury came after he was unexpectedly thrown into the ruck in round 15 last year.
It was a shaky start to life in the centre square, pitted against brother Tom for Carlton.
De Koning has improved his ruck craft, but after Mark Blicavs was a late withdrawal against the Demons, he was thrown into defence.
He insists he is not tied to any position and is trying to model his game on Blicavs, one of the most versatile players in the history of the game.
"I pride myself on being able to play in multiple positions and having an impact in those positions anywhere I play," De Koning said.
"Just being kind of like 'Blitz', wherever the coach needs me and wants me to play and help the team I'll play there.
"I don't like to put a label on where I'll play my best.
"I feel like that's a mental barrier that I don't want there.
"'Blitz' has been a huge mentor for me, and his career has been amazing.
"If I could be half the player that he is, and half as versatile, that would be my goal."
He could yet have to deputise down back again, with the Cats confirming on Monday that backman Jack Henry will miss three-to-four weeks with a hamstring strain.
Geelong last week confirmed De Koning had re-signed on a two-year deal and he insists he never entertained going anywhere else.
