Dylan Buckley, son of triple Carlton Premiership player, Jim Buckley, has committed to Carlton under the Father/Son rule.
Buckley, who was captain of the Victorian Metro Under 16 team in 2009, has officially registered to be recruited by the Blues in the 2011 National Draft as a Father/Son selection.
“We are pleased that Dylan and his family have made this commitment. It is great that a famous Carlton name will continue at the Carlton Football Club and it is a real bonus to know that such an outstanding young player will be available to be recruited to Carlton at the end of 2011,” said Carlton’s General Manager Football Operations, Steven Icke.
“Dylan is now able to concentrate on his schooling and his junior football with the knowledge that his football future is in place.”
Buckley said he was thrilled to be in this position and admitted the opportunity to join Carlton was something to which he was looking forward. But he knows he must continue his development over the next two years to ensure he earns selection in the National Draft.
“This does provide me with some certainty about my footballing future but I know there is plenty of work to be done. Thankfully I will be able to tap into the resources of the Carlton Football Club to assist my development over the next two years - not just the expertise of the people at the Club but also some of the great new facilities at Visy Park,” Buckley said.
Jim Buckley debuted for Carlton at 16 years, six months and eighteen day in 1976, after being recruited from Kyneton. He would represent the Blues in 164 senior matches including the 1979 Grand Final victory and the back-to-back premierships of 1981-82. He also won the Carlton Best and Fairest award in the 1982 premiership season and was inducted into the Carlton Hall of Fame in 2000.
Naturally he was one very happy father when the commitment was made.
“It is fantastic to think that Dylan has a real opportunity to be a part of the Carlton Football Club and extend the family involvement with the Blues. He is well aware that there is a lot of work to be done but everyone in the family will be supporting him to ensure he makes the most of this wonderful opportunity,” Buckley senior said.
Click Here for the exclusive interview with Jim and Dylan Buckley on CFCTV
