THE Carlton Football Club is thrilled to announce the signing of Ben Ronke to the Carlton Reserves.
Ronke spent six seasons at the Sydney Swans as a small forward after being selected in the 2016 NAB AFL Rookie Draft.
He made his AFL debut in Round 6, 2018 and featured in every game for the rest of the Swans’ season.
His most memorable match came just three games into his career as he kicked seven goals at the MCG against Hawthorn in Round 8, 2018 and earnt himself an AFL Rising Star nomination.
The name on the contract does say McMahon... Liam McMahon.
— Carlton Reserves (@CarltonReserves) December 22, 2022
Welcome to IKON Park, Liam!
Ronke would go on to play 44 senior games and kick 39 goals for Sydney between 2018 and 2022.
The 24-year-old returns home to Melbourne and joins the Carlton Reserves as they look to build on the momentum of a 2022 season that culminated in a semi-final appearance.
Carlton VFL Coach Luke Power said Ronke’s experience at the elite level would allow him to guide and lead the younger forwards in the squad, alongside the likes of established VFL Blues Ben Crocker and Ned Cahill.
“We’re rapt that Ben would choose to continue his football journey with the Carlton Reserves, and it is a testament to our program that quality footballers like Ben are drawn to the Club and the facilities we have at our disposal,” Power said.
“Ben showed that he has the ability to be a dangerous small forward, and we’ll work with him to further develop those skills and get him working seamlessly with the rest of our forwards.
“Ben’s AFL experience will be a great boost to our side, and we’re excited to have him back home in Melbourne and part of the Carlton Football Club.”
