LIAM Stocker is owning the future in Navy Blue.
The emerging youngster committed to the Club he arrived at 12 months ago for a further two seasons, extending his stay until at least the end of 2022.
However, if you ask the man himself, he’s intent on making an impact beyond that.
And that line which Carlton is taking into 2020 - “own the future” - is something which resonates with the 19-year-old.
“We do own the future. We own the future of this football club,” Stocker told Carlton Media after his re-signing.
Lock, Stock and two more years. #BoundByBlue
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) November 7, 2019
“As much as the fans play a part, it is the players on the field that the responsibility lies with to play good footy and play consistent footy.
“The rich history we have as a football club, the premierships we have and returning the Club to its former glory is something I’d be really excited to be a part of.”
It was an interesting first year for Stocker at Ikon Park, coupling his AFL debut with a foot injury which curtailed his progress.
As he approaches the one-year mark since his arrival at Carlton, Stocker said he well and truly considers himself a Carlton Football Club player.
He also echoed his sentiments from the back-end of the season: he wants to achieve success in the Navy Blue.
“This football club has an intense culture: it’s something I live and breathe now,” he said.
“Being a one-club player at such a historically important football club is something I’m really excited to try and be part of if I can.
“Team success is more important than anything.”
In 2019, Stocker started his maiden season at the elite level across half back before beginning to transition to the midfield role he played in his junior career.
Eyeing a spot alongside the likes of Patrick Cripps in 2020 and beyond, Stocker clearly has a centred focus in his first full pre-season.
“All I’m trying to do is lock down a sport in that starting midfield or off the bench and contribute in any way I can,” he said.
“Getting as fit as I can in pre-season is step one. The rest comes with my dedication and ability to be consistent in my preparation and performance.
“I don’t think I was in my first year: I think I went up and down, which can happen when you’re a first-year player.
“The next three years especially is where we show whether we’ve got what it takes to go into the top eight and potentially further.”
