Geelong has selected tall defender Sam De Koning with its second pick in this year’s NAB National Draft.



The 18-year-old was taken with pick 19 and arrives at the Cats having played his junior football with the Dandenong Stingrays in the NAB League.



De Koning is known for his excellent decision making and at the 2019 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships the 201cm defender averaged 12.5 disposals and 4.8 marks, earning him All-Austrlian honours.



"We are hoping Sam can develop over the next few years," Recruiting and List Manager Stephen Wells said.



"His opportunities aren’t going to be restricted to a tall defender though, he has done well as a forward and also as a potential ruckman."



"As a big young man he has got lots of opportunity to develop all over the ground."



De Koning is one of 10 children and his brother Tom De Koning is currently on Carlton’s AFL list.



His father Terry played 31 games for the Western Bulldogs between 1980-1982.