Club/Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Position: Defender
Height: 188cm
Weight: 81kg
DOB: 28 November 2005

THE PERFECT early 18th birthday present.

With selection No.15 in the 2023 AFL Rookie Draft, Carlton has welcomed impressive Sandringham Dragons defender Matthew Carroll to IKON Park.

A reliable defender who is noted for his attack on the ball and man with speed, the left-footed Carroll is classy and composed down back while also getting involved in offence.

A premiership player with Sandringham, Carroll also featured for Vic Metro in the national carnival, where he showcased his traits on both sides of the ball. Performing a strong lockdown role against South Australia, Carroll then released the shackles against Vic Country, ending the day as one of his team’s standout performers.

02:18

Highlights | Matthew Carroll

Watch the highlights of Matthew Carroll, selected by Carlton in the 2023 Rookie Draft.

Carroll has the ability to play higher up the ground, but it was across half-back for both his state and with the Dragons that he shone, showcasing AFL attributes that saw the Blues snap him up in the rookie draft.

He can get the job done both in the air and on the ground, posing a double threat with his overhead ability as well as his dash out of defence.

Carlton Head of List Management Nick Austin said the youngster had the ability to play a number of roles for the team.

“Matthew is the kind of player that his coaches love, and we’re sure that’s going to be the case when he arrives at IKON Park now that he’s a Carlton player,” Austin said.

06:24

"We're rapt": Austin on draft selections

Head of List Management Nick Austin spoke with media after selecting Ashton Moir and Billy Wilson at the 2023 AFL Draft.

“He overcame some frustrations earlier this year to have a really strong personal year with both his form for Vic Metro as well as the role he played on the way to a premiership with Sandringham. We love his ability to play a number of roles in the backline.

“He gets involved in all facets of the game and he’s a very driven kid who’s always looking to improve and get the best out of himself. He backs his skills down back and he hates getting beaten defensively.

“We think there’s plenty to work with with Matt: we rate him quite highly and we’re thrilled he was available to us in the rookie draft. We’re excited to welcome him aboard and can’t wait for him to get stuck in with his new teammates.”