Carlton Football Club is delighted to announce the re-signing of three of its rising defenders.
The Blues have secured the signatures of young first-year defenders in Tom Williamson and Harrison Macreadie, who have both agreed to two-year contract extensions ensuring they will remain at the Club until 2020.
Irishman Ciaran Byrne is also set to strengthen Carlton’s impressive backline as he put pen to paper on a new two-year deal earlier this week, which will see him continue with the Blues until at least the end of 2019.
Head of Football Andrew McKay said the Club was delighted to have secured the services of three of its most impressive young defenders.
“On-field, Ciaran, Tom and Harrison have an important role to play in the future of the Club,” McKay said.
“Harrison and Tom have both shown exciting signs after making their senior debuts this season. They are young and still developing their game but their attitude suggests they will continue to improve over the coming years.
“Ciaran has been meticulous with his commitment to rehab following his ACL injury last year and we are delighted that he is now back playing football. I’m sure he will be back in the senior side before too long.
“We believe all three players will be long-term prospects for us, and it’s pleasing to see the belief they have in the direction of the Club’s future by wanting to continue on the journey with us.”
Byrne was on his way to asserting himself as a key member of the Blues’ backline playing 11 games in 2016, before an ACL injury sidelined the 22-year-old mid-season. The resilient defender recently made an impressive return to the Northern Blues in their Round 8 clash with Coburg, notching up 13 disposals and five marks.
Eighteen-year-old Macreadie made his way to Ikon Park through the 2016 NAB AFL Draft with pick 47 overall. The tall defender made his debut in the 2017 season opener against Richmond at the MCG.
Williamson was taken as the Blues’ fourth round selection in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft. The composed defender stepped up for an impressive debut against Essendon in the Round 3 clash, collecting 15 disposals and laying five tackles.
