MAKE it another three.
A trio of Carlton Reserves have recommitted to the VFL Blues for another year heading into 2025.
On the back of promising seasons throughout 2024, the Blues have confirmed that Will White, Ollie Badr and Ollie Poole all signing on to remain at IKON Park.
White emerged as one of the Blues’ bright young talents this season, breaking through for his debut in the opening game of the campaign and going onto play every game for the season.
A versatile youngster, White burst onto the scene as a classy forward, kicking 21 goals from his 18 games, including a hat-trick of three-goal performances. He ultimately finished third in the VFL Blues’ Best and Fairest while he was also crowned the Club’s Best Young Player.
A dynamic small defender, 19-year-old Badr was rewarded at the back-end of the season with four games for the VFL Blues.
The former Oakleigh Charger backs himself with his run out of the back half and played his role in a debut win over GWS in Round 15 as well as a thumping 83-point victory against Collingwood a fortnight later, where he registered 15 disposals.
Rounding out the re-signings is Ollie Poole, who is back at the Blues after spending the season as a 19-year-old with the Bendigo Pioneers in the Coates Talent League.
Poole is no stranger to IKON Park, having played two games for the Blues as 23rd man in the middle of the season, including an 18-disposal showing on debut against Casey.
They become the latest players to sign with the VFL Blues after the announcements of Will Hayes, Michael Lewis, Liam McMahon, Luke Nelson, Logan Prout and Heath Ramshaw in recent weeks.
VFL Senior Coach Luke Power said earning the commitment of three of the Club’s bright young talents was another nod to the direction of the program.
“We’re really thrilled that we get the chance to welcome back Will and both Ollies for 2025,” Power said.
“We couldn’t have been more impressed with Will’s breakthrough season at VFL level. His commitment to his own personal craft as well as the direction of the group was first-class, playing a number of roles for the team and taking his game to another level.
“We really liked what we saw from both Ollie Badr in defence and Ollie Poole up forward. Both are young players who have shown some really promising signs in the Coates Talent League in recent years as well as providing some bright moments for us in the VFL, and we believe they’re in the best spot to develop their games at IKON Park.
“To have another three members of our young crop commit in line with our re-signings in recent weeks, we’re thrilled about their show of faith in our program and we’re looking forward to what they can offer in 2025.”
Carlton Reserves list for 2025: Ollie Badr, Will Hayes, Michael Lewis, Liam McMahon, Luke Nelson, Ollie Poole, Logan Prout, Heath Ramshaw, Will White
