Bret Thornton has re-signed with the Carlton Football Club for one year following a career defining season with the Blues.
 
The 27 year old utility reinvigorated his career after a shift to attack where he provided the Blues with another key marking option, highlighted by his 11 marks and 18 disposals in Carlton’s Elimination Final victory.
 
“Bret managed to find some outstanding form this season and played some of the best footy we have seen from him since his arrival at the Club nine years ago,” Senior Coach Brett Ratten said.
 
“One of Bret’s biggest attributes is his versatility to play in defense or attack and we are looking forward to seeing him continue his growth in 2012.”
 
Another success story from the Rookie Draft, Bret was Carlton’s 1st round selection, number 11 overall, in the 2002 Rookie Draft. He was elevated to the senior list during the season and made his AFL debut in round 10, 2002, spending almost all of his career in a key defensive role.
 
He won Carlton’s Best First Year Player Award in 2002 and has now played 181 games for Carlton and was a member of the Club’s pre-season premiership sides in 2005 and 2007.