The Carlton Football Club is excited to announce Matt Carroll has been signed to the rookie list as part of the pre-season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP).
Selected by Carlton with pick No.15 in the 2023 AFL Rookie Draft, Carroll returns to the Blues’ list after impressing as a train-on player throughout pre-season.
A premiership player for the Sandringham Dragons, Carroll was highly regarded in his draft year by the Blues for his agility and flexibility on field, a versatile player who can play various roles in the side.
A boyhood Blue, Carroll largely plays across half-back and is competitive in the air and clean at ground level, utilising his strong football IQ and classy skills to launch attacks from the defensive half.
Carlton Head of List Management Nick Austin said the Club was thrilled to be able to offer Carroll another contract.
“Matt is a really promising defender and for someone who’s still just 19 years of age, we couldn’t have been more impressed with how he has gone about this pre-season: he’s earned his spot back on the list,” Austin said.
“He had a tough year last year, hampered by injury, but has shown a great level of determination and maturity in the way he has gone about his rehab program.
“Having been here all last year, Matt has already grown a great connection with the coaches and players: he has continued to train with us over the pre-season and has impressed since day one.
“We have seen his talent first-hand and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can produce with a clean run as a young player remaining in the Navy Blue.”
The Carlton Football Club can also confirm that it will part ways with Sam Durdin, who has been training with the team since being delisted at the end of 2024.
“We thank Sam for all he has done for the Blues. He has been a great person to have around the Club and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavours,” Austin said.
