COOPER Lord found himself in the slightly unique situation during Carlton’s new player induction on the first day back of 2025.

Joined in the room by all of the Blues’ new recruits over the off-season, Lord was also present to officially be ‘inducted’ into the football club - despite having played two senior games already.

But as a mid-season draftee, Lord didn’t have the chance for the annual pre-season event, which is fast becoming one of the great feel-good days on the Carlton calendar.

It was made even more poignant for Lord, who received his guernsey from not only a former premiership player in Navy Blue - but someone who’s been part of his junior football journey for years.

“‘Beaser’ as I call him [1987 premiership player Ian Aitken], he’s been an amazing mentor for me. He coached me through all my junior career and was always in my corner when things didn’t go well.

“For him to be here today was really special. He got up and presented my guernsey, it was amazing to have him - he’s been so good for me.”

Coaching Lord from the age of six, Aitken spoke to the room about his days with Lord later at Kew and Glen Iris. Aitken, who played 61 games for the Blues across six seasons, has spent the last three decades coaching junior and senior football.

Yet he said his proudest moment as a coach was watching Lord get drafted and then pull on the Carlton jumper he formerly represented in the final two games of the home-and-away season last year.

It wasn’t the only speech by a former Blue on the day, with each new Blue hearing from a premiership player - or, in Lucas Camporeale’s case, premiership coach David Parkin - when receiving their respective guernseys.

For Lord’s good mate Jagga Smith, he received some words of wisdom from Hall of Fame member Brett Ratten, who returned to IKON Park in a Carlton capacity for the first time in 12 years.

“It was pretty special to have Brett in the building today: ‘Jags’ was pumped to be presented by him, for him and his family.”

The Blues’ leaders also spoke, with AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss addressing the room, and the Blues’ leadership group present throughout the entire day - with the Walsh parents also in tow.

“It was a show of character for all of them to stay around for the session. It was amazing having them there, they’ve bene so good for my development and helping me and the other boys settle into the Club,” Lord said.

“[Voss] is massive on the ability we have to write our own story and our own future. For me, that’s so exciting - I can’t wait to keep putting in the hard work and keep getting after it.”