The Carlton Football Club has a clear philosophy when it comes to selecting new recruits - select the best player possible.

“This is very clear, there is no deviation from this philosophy,” said National Recruiting Manager Shane Rogers.

“We don’t care what age a player is, what nationality a player is, just as long as they can play at AFL level, we will select who we consider to be the best player available,” added Rogers.

Rogers was responding to the suggestions by some people that clubs are backing away from recruiting indigenous talent.

General Manager Football Operations Andrew McKay confirmed the Blues recruiting philosophy and was quick to distance the Carlton Football Club from any such suggestions.

“Such a suggestion is certainly not relevant for the Carlton Football Club and indeed it is something that our Indigenous players were disappointed to hear as they know our philosophy and appreciate Carlton recruits the best player available,” McKay said