TWO more youngsters have committed to the Carlton Reserves, with the Blues delighted to announce that Owen King and Zane Barzen have re-signed with its VFL side for 2022.
While neither were able to take to the field in 2021, both played valuable roles off the field in the Carlton Reserves’ inaugural season, while displaying their commitment to developing their football.
Prior to a knee injury, King had shown strong signs on the training track and the 21-year-old will be looking to come back next season to earn his VFL debut in the Navy Blue.
Our Coaches' Award recipient has signed on for 2022. 💪
— Carlton Reserves (@CarltonReserves) October 28, 2021
Standing at 192 centimetres, Barzen – the former Murray Bushranger – has the capacity to play above his height.
Impressing in the Carlton Reserves’ early practice matches playing in defence, Barzen – like King – will have his pre-season sights set on earning a first VFL guernsey upon the 2022 season’s commencement.
“With a combination of injuries and the shortened season, we were disappointed we didn’t get to see the pair last season: however, we loved the energy and commitment which we saw in training,” Carlton Reserves coach Daniel O’Keefe said.
“We’re always looking for tall options and these two certainly provide that, as well as their capacity to play multiple roles. We expect them to take that next step under our program over the next year and we’re looking forward to seeing what they can produce in 2022.”
These two signatures make it 10 official re-signings for the VFL Blues for 2022.
Thomas Dev is a student at La Trobe University, undergoing his Bachelor of Media and Communications (Sports Journalism). He is currently undertaking an internship at the Carlton Football Club as part of its partnership with La Trobe University.
