Club/Recruited from: GWV Rebels
Position: Defender
Height: 183cm
DOB: 26 June 2006
ANOTHER day, another Harry in Navy Blue.
Carlton has selected Harry Charleson with pick No.9 at the 2024 Telstra AFL Rookie Draft.
The GWV Rebels co-captain brings a damaging combination of speed and endurance into the backline, having a standout year at both state and national levels where he showcased his rebounding ability.
Playing all four matches for Vic Country, Charleson’s standout performance came in Vic Country’s opening match against South Australia, where he finished the day with 23 disposals at 91 per cent efficiency, producing five intercepts and four score involvements to be ranked in Country’s top five performers for the day.
At state level, the joint Rebels’ best and fairest winner stood up across his 16 matches, helping take his team to its Coates Talent League grand final appearance in 27 years.
Averaging 21.4 disposals for the season, Charleson’s best outing came in Round 9, where he had a game-high 30 disposals to go with his seven marks and seven rebound 50s against the Geelong Falcons.
Earning himself an invite to the Telstra AFL Draft Combine, Charleson’s agility and endurance was on full display, completing the agility test in 8.23 seconds and completing the two-kilometre time trial in 6:21.
Head of List Management Nick Austin said he was excited to see the young defender come to IKON Park.
“We’re really excited to have another Harry come to the Blues,” Austin said.
“We were really drawn to his intercept ability and the way he’s able to read the game from half-back. He’s really classy by foot and backs himself coming out of defensive 50, turning defence into attack which is so important in the modern game.
“For him to be able to continue his development alongside the likes of Nic Newman and Adam Saad, we think Harry will build on the progression he showed right throughout the 2024 season.
“We think he’s a really smart defender, and he could grow into a really exciting contributor to our backline in years to come.
“We can’t wait to see Harry in the Navy Blue.”
