THE CARLTON Reserves have added to their pool of recruits for the 2025 season, adding Cooper Vickery to the fold.

Spending two years on Sydney’s AFL list, Vickery largely spent his football for the Swans playing across half-back in the VFL, while also having the capability of playing higher up the ground.

Drafted with pick No.27 in 2022, Vickery is no stranger to the VFL competition, playing 27 games for the Swans across his two seasons - including 17 of 18 games in 2024.

The youngster showed promise in the state league competition, including a career-high 23-disposal performance in a close win against Sandringham in a solid back-end to the season.

Previously representing the Gippsland Power and Vic Country, Vickery further complements a youthful but exciting crop the VFL Blues are assembling, joining the AFL experience of Francis Evans and Ethan Phillips in recent weeks along with a host of re-signings for the Reserves.

VFL Senior Coach Luke Power said the addition of Vickery was a pleasing one for the program, continuing to welcome players that could have an impact both now and in the future.

“We think Cooper is a really promising young talent and we’re really excited to be able to welcome him to IKON Park for 2025,” Power said.

“He’s got a fair share of VFL experience already, and at 20 years of age, there’s plenty of scope for development in Cooper’s game which we feel like he can reach - we’re delighted he sees our program to be the best fit for him as well.

“Cooper possesses great speed and the capacity to turn defence into offence by driving out of the backline, which is so important in the modern game. We also really rate his competitive instincts, something which we value highly at our footy club.

“With a number of re-signings and now Cooper our third official acquisition of the off-season, we feel as though we’ve set a really good foundation, full of young talent that have shown an appetite for hard work.”