Club/Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Position: Key defender
Height: 197cm
DOB: 3 May 2006

A DREAM come true for a boyhood Blue.

Harry O’Farrell can now officially call IKON Park home, having been selected by the Blues with pick No.40 in the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft.

An intercepting key defender standing at 197 centimetres, O’Farrell last month said the opportunity to join Carlton “would mean everything” — that has now become a reality on the second night of the draft,

Originally from Maribyrnong Park and playing his Coates Talent League football with the Calder Cannons, O’Farrell has been a highly regarded backman for the last two years, representing the Australian under-18 side against VFL opposition earlier this year.

03:47

Highlights | O'Farrell becomes a Blue

Watch the highlights of Harry O'Farrell, our pick No.40 of the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft.

Despite some injury interruptions in 2024, O’Farrell proved his credentials as not only a talent who can lock down his opponent, but also one who can intercept and generate offence from defensive 50, backing in his skills by foot.

Featuring for Vic Metro, Calder and St Kevin’s, O’Farrell demonstrated his capacity to play a number of roles, and further highlighted his athletic prowess with a time of 3.06 in the 20-metre sprint.

A raw prospect, O’Farrell now gets his chance to hone his craft on an AFL list under the tutelage of recently re-signed co-vice captain Jacob Weitering.

Carlton Head of List Management Nick Austin said O’Farrell had key traits which stood out for the Blues as a potential long-term player for the football club.

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“We couldn’t be happier to have Harry - another Harry - at IKON Park. He’s a really impressive young footballer and just as impressive a person,” Austin said.

“Heading into this draft, we were hoping to round out our midfield group as well as add some tall talent in our back half: when it comes to the latter, we believe Harry can provide that in due course.

“He was a really highly rated prospect heading into this year and while there were some frustrations, he showcased some of those impressive traits as a key defender. He has a great balance of performing a lockdown role but also intercepting and generating offence when the opportunity presents.

“Harry has earned this chance and we couldn’t be happier to have him wear the Navy Blue in 2025 and beyond.”