TWO familiar Carlton names could be running out for the Carlton Reserves in 2022, with a pair of generational Blues signing on.

Charlie McKay and Hayden Gill have committed to the VFL program for the upcoming season.

McKay will follow in the footsteps of dad Andrew - a Carlton Hall of Famer and former captain of the AFL side - and sister Abbie, who has played 16 AFLW games for the Game Changers.

A member of the Carlton Academy, McKay put together an impressive 2021 campaign for the Sandringham Dragons, averaging 23 disposals a game as vice captain.

Charlie McKay was a consistent performer in the 2021 NAB League for the Sandringham Dragons. (Credit: AFL Photos)

McKay is known for his versatility, able to play a number of roles whether it’s across half back or in the midfield.

He has been a familiar face on Royal Parade in recent seasons, taking part in a training session with the AFL playing group back in 2019 as a 17-year-old alongside fellow sons of guns.

He now heads to IKON Park alongside Gill, who was also a member of the Carlton Academy.

Similarly to McKay, Gill also has more than one familial link in Navy Blue: his great grandfather, Frank Gill, is a Hall of Fame at Carlton with 205 games. His uncles Barry and John also played in arguably the Blues’ finest-ever triumph: the 1970 VFL Grand Final.

Frank Gill (No.21), the great grandfather of Hayden, in action for Carlton in Round 3, 1935. (Credit: Blueseum)

The youngster is well and truly no stranger to IKON Park: on top of his time at the Carlton Academy, Gill was also a student at the Carlton College of Sport.

He will take up one of two available Category B rookie spots on the VFL list.

Carlton Reserves coach Daniel O’Keefe said he was thrilled to welcome two players to the football club that would relish the opportunity to be part of the VFL program.

“With Charlie and Hayden, we’re welcoming two young men who are really committed to their football and dedicated to get the best out of themselves,” O’Keefe said.

“Obviously, their individual stories are fantastic in terms of their links to the football club: Charlie with his dad and sister, and Hayden with his great grandfather, uncles and even through his time at the Carlton College of Sport.

“But more than that, they’re two talented youngsters with the ability to develop and we believe they can take their individual games to another level in our program.

“We’re really excited that both players are continuing their respective journeys within our VFL program.”

Applications for the 2022 Football Development Program are still open. To learn more about the Carlton College of Sport, come along to the next Open Day this Sunday 30 January at 1:30pm. Register here.