Carlton’s NSW scholarship player Jake Pianta joined the team in the change rooms before Carlton’s Round 16 game against the Swans.

Pianta, who hails from Penrith, was accompanied in the rooms by Carlton’s National Recruiting Manager Wayne Hughes.

“It was a perfect opportunity to bring Jake down for the game,” Hughes told carltonfc.com.au

“He stayed down on Monday and came into the club while the senior boys had their recovery session; it also allowed him to do some one-on-one work with Matthew Lappin before heading back to Sydney.”

The Blues now boast four players signed under the NSW Rookie Scholarship program – Pianta, Matthew Lodge (Possum Creek), Blake Bray (Western Suburbs) and Josh Fenaroli (Pennant Hills).

Under the program, the players will spend regular periods training with Carlton. The Club will have the option of priority listing on its primary player list in the future.