PATRICK Kerr is now the youngest AFLPA delegate, with the 20-year-old joining Ed Curnow in representing Carlton's AFL team.

Speaking to the AFL Players Assocation website on Tuesday, Kerr said he embraced the opportunity to become one of Carlton’s two delegates. 

“The boys were asked who they think should do it and my name got thrown up. I then got a call from 'Drummy' (Marcus Drum) and Ed mentioned it to me as well,” he said.

“I’ve just grabbed the opportunity with both hands. You can mix with people in this group, who are pretty amazing, and tap into their qualities and what they do but also getting a bit of ownership over actually what the players do and can have in their time in the AFL.

“I’ve always been interested and wanted to get involved in the leadership side of footy. When the role came, I was definitely going to say yes.”

Kerr made his AFL debut in Round 9 this year, kicking two goals across four games in season 2018.

Now entering his third season with Carlton, the 194cm forward said he relished taking on new leadership responsibilities.

“I definitely see myself as a bit of a leader. I had the commitment as vice-captain at Oakleigh but also captaining my school football side at St Kevin’s, so I did all that but leadership roles are always something I’ve wanted to do," Kerr said.

“The longer my career goes on, the more chance I’ll have at hopefully being able to develop those skills and really go from there.”

Kerr said he had been inspired by the leadership qualities of his teammates, including fellow AFLPA delegate Ed Curnow. Curnow will remain in Carlton’s leadership group for the third year running and will enter his fifth year representing his side at the AFLPA in 2019.

“Having Ed, it’s been great and we’ve been able to work really closely together,” Kerr said.

“I want to be able to have everyone around the club see me as someone who is easy-going and easy to talk to. If they want me to tell the PA something, then I’ll tell it and vice versa. Just having that real honest and open relationship with my teammates and making sure they know I’m in their corner.”

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