CARLTON Football Club is delighted to announce first-year player Lochie O’Brien has extended his contract for a further two years.

The 18-year-old has put pen to paper on the new deal, re-signing with the Club through to the end of the 2021 season.

O’Brien, who grew up in Mildura in regional Victoria, made his AFL debut last weekend against North Melbourne and is set to line up again for the Blues when they face West Coast at the MCG on Saturday.

Carlton secured the services of O’Brien via the 2017 NAB AFL Draft at pick No.10 overall. The Bendigo Pioneers product was recruited for his exceptional endurance and ability to run along the wing and break the lines to set up his teammates.

O’Brien said he was grateful to extend his contract for a further two years following his first senior AFL game.

“I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to get drafted, play my first AFL game and now sign on with the Club for a further two years,” O’Brien said.

“Although we didn’t get the result, running out in the navy blue on Saturday was a childhood dream realised. Now I just want to keep working hard.

“We know we have a lot of improvement to come and I’m excited to be part of that with this group under Bolts. I’m grateful to the Club for the opportunity and want to continue training hard and learning the craft in my first year and beyond.”

Senior coach Brendon Bolton said the contract extension was a reflection of the Club’s faith in the speedy midfielder.

“Lochie applies himself and works hard out on the track, and importantly he seeks out our coaches and older players to continue to learn all parts of the game,” Bolton said.

“We think he will make a strong contribution to our side over the coming years and we’re pleased he has chosen to re-sign with the Club early in his career.

“Both Lochie, and Paddy Dow, as two young and exciting players coming through the ranks, can see where we are going and the direction we’re heading in and that’s really pleasing for our group and importantly, our members and supporters.” 

O’Brien joins his former Geelong Grammar classmate and current teammate Paddy Dow, extending their contracts with the Club in recent weeks.