THE Carlton Football Club has selected Josh Deluca with its pick in the 2019 NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

Considered a premier midfielder in the WAFL, Deluca is a hard-nosed ball-winner with a competitive edge who thrives on contested football. He also has great speed on the outside to complement his inside work. 

In a state game earlier this year playing for the WAFL against SANFL, Deluca took home the Simpson Medal as best-on-ground: he racked up 29 disposals, laid seven tackles and kicked a goal to show his class.

Deluca spent three seasons at Fremantle between 2015 and 2017, playing four games for the Dockers after being selected with pick No.68 in the 2014 National Draft. 

A four-time WAFL Premiership player, Deluca won his first flag with Subiaco in 2014 before adding to his tally with Fremantle affiliate Peel Thunder in 2016 and 2017. Deluca returned to Subiaco last season, winning his fourth premiership overall. 

The 23-year-old has averaged nearly 26 disposals a game this season for Subiaco, whilst also studying and working in the project and commercial management industry. 

Blues’ List Manager Michael Agresta said the Club was looking forward to welcoming Deluca to Ikon Park. 

“Josh is good on the inside with his contested ball work around stoppages and his speed makes him a dangerous player inside forward 50,” Agresta said.  

“We are invested in developing Josh into an AFL footballer through our system. That ultimately will take some time over the coming month, before he progresses through the Northern Blues in the VFL and ultimately pushes for AFL selection.” 

Deluca will meet his Carlton teammates this week when he arrives in Victoria and be integrated into the program over the next few weeks.