Carlton today signed another NSW Scholarship Player. Matthew Lodge, a 15 year-old from Possum Creek in northern New South Wales, signed a three-year deal under the Scholarship scheme.

Last year, Lodge played Under 14 football with the Byron Bay Magpies on a Saturday, and the Coolangatta Blues on a Sunday.

Under the program, the Year 10 student at Trinity Catholic College Lismore will spend regular periods training with Carlton. The Club will have the option of priority listing on its primary player list in the future.

The AFL scholarship program is aimed at teenagers aged between 15–17 years. Under scholarship guidelines, AFL clubs can recruit up to six teenagers from greater Sydney and southern NSW in each year. Scholarships can range from 1-3 years duration with recipients receiving financial assistance towards their football and education.