THE CARLTON Football Club can confirm five changes to its AFL playing list following the conclusion of its 2024 AFL season, with David Cuningham, Caleb Marchbank, Jack Martin, Alex Mirkov and Dom Akuei departing the Club.
Cuningham played 58 games across nine seasons for the Blues, after being selected with pick No.23 in the 2015 national draft.
The 27-year-old played an equal career-high 12 games last season, including two finals, before playing a further five games in 2024.
Marchbank played 56 games in his eight seasons for the Blues, arriving at Carlton in 2017 via a trade with Greater Western Sydney.
He played three games this season, as injury restricted his ability to push for further opportunities at AFL level in 2024.
Martin made 54 appearances in the Navy Blue across five seasons, playing three games for Carlton this year.
The 29-year-old came to the Blues via the pre-season draft from the Gold Coast Suns, winning the Coaches Award during his debut season at the Club in 2020.
Mirkov arrived at IKON Park in 2021 as a mid-season rookie, after impressing in the VFL for the Carlton Reserves. The 210cm ruckman missed most of 2023 through injury but returned to action in 2024 to play in 16 VFL games.
Akuei spent the last three seasons as a Category B rookie, featuring for the Carlton Reserves over the last few years, playing predominantly as a defender.
Carlton Head of List Management Nick Austin acknowledged the efforts of all five players.
“David and Caleb have persevered through adversity throughout their extended careers at Carlton. Their resolve to continue to front up and give themselves every chance to overcome each challenge is a testament to them and will hold them in good stead with whatever the step is that they choose to take,” Austin said.
“Jack also showed a resilient mindset through his five seasons and has made some lasting friendships at the football club, while Alex and Dom brought great energy around the Club over their time with us, each earning their opportunity to be part of an AFL program via unique pathways.
“We thank all five players for their commitment during their time in Navy Blue.”
