Will Hayes, Logan Prout and Luke Nelson will remain in the Navy Blue after the trio re-signed to the VFL side in 2025. 

Hayes was a standout player in the latter stages of the season for the Blues after making his VFL comeback in 2024, averaging over 35 disposals in his first four matches back.

A welcomed return to the Carlton Reserves, Hayes has experience at the highest level spending time on both the Western Bulldogs and Carlton’s senior list.

Featuring as both an inside and outside midfielder, the 29-year-old has the ability to play a range of roles adding an injection of flexibility into the side. 

An experienced player, Hayes featured in the 2016 VFL premiership with Footscray, was coached by Carlton’s AFL Senior Assistant coach Ash Hansen and also was selected on the wing in the 2018 VFL Team of the Year. 

Logan Prout has also re-signed with the VFL Blues, with the young defender emerging as a mainstay of the team’s defensive group in 2024.

Steadily developing since his debut two seasons ago, Prout - who is a defender first and foremost - has been trusted by the coaching staff to get a job done, being named in the team’s best players on five occasions in 2024.

One of his best games came in Round 19 against Brisbane, where he collected 16 disposals and seven tackles against the eventual preliminary finalists.

Rounding out the first batch of re-signings is Nelson, who arrived at the Blues at the start of season 2024 after making the move from Coburg.

Playing in various positions across the field, Nelson emerged as an important player for the Blues in his first season, having over 20 disposals and kicking multiple goals in the wins over Port Melbourne (Round 4) and Collingwood (Round 17).

His hard work and determination in his maiden season earned him the Coaches Award at this year's Best and Fairest awards.

Carlton VFL Senior Coach Luke Power said he was pleased to see the trio re-commit to Carlton.

“All three players bring such a positive energy to our Club and are committed to getting the very best out of themselves and others,” Power said.

“Will is an amazing mentor to our younger players. The experience at both the VFL and AFL levels he brings to our side is invaluable: he’s a great person that sets a great example for our younger players.  

“Logan is someone who we think is getting better every week. He’s played 20 games for us in his first two seasons in the VFL, including 12 this year, and he’s the kind of player who is trusted not only by us as coaches, but by his teammates out on the ground.

“We were all impressed with the way Luke embraced his first season at the Blues. He showcased his talent on-field, playing an important role for the team as a high-forward.

“They are all dedicated to their craft. Their strong work ethic is a trait often lauded by those around them and will hold them in good stead for the year to come.

"We are excited to see what they can all bring in 2025."