Mark Austin will make his AFL debut on Sunday and in doing so he will become the 1,107th player to represent Carlton in the AFL. Mark was Carlton’s third round selection, number 35 overall in last year’s NAB AFL National Draft. Originally from Jeparit-Rainbow in regional Victoria he was recruited from Glenelg after moving to Adelaide from the Wimmera region. While he missed out on the Under 18 National Championships in 2006 due to injury he did play seniors for Glenelg toward the end of last season.

“It is a great thrill and I am really looking forward to Sunday’s game,” was Mark’s reaction to the news he would be making his Carlton debut. Mark’s family will be at the MCG on Sunday to see the Blues play Melbourne. His mum and brother and sister are flying from Adelaide for the game while his father and other sister are coming down from McKay

Mark was a team-mate and good friend of Bryce Gibbs at Glenelg and when he was selected by Carlton at last year’s draft Bryce seemed almost as excited at having Mark join him at Carlton as he was about his own selection at number one. Mark will wear the number 21 guernsey worn by a Carlton legend who was recruited from South Australia in 1986, Craig Bradley. Of course his good mate Bryce wears the number 4 guernsey that was worn by a Carlton legend who was also recruited from Glenelg, Stephen Kernahan.

Guernsey number 21 – 100 Games
Frank Gill
Ken Baxter
Barry Gill
Rod Austin
Craig Bradley

Click here to visit the Blueseum for a history of guernsey #21