The Carlton Football Club today confirmed that it had signed  Sydney-based 15 year-old Western Suburbs Magpie Blake Bray under the NSW Rookie Scholarship program.

“We are pleased to offer Blake a scholarship at the Carlton Football Club. It’s a great opportunity for him to continue his football development and we are delighted to have him join Carlton,” said Carlton's National Recruiting Manager Wayne Hughes.

Bray, a 190cm key position player,  is a Year 10 student at Picton High School, currently playing senior football for the Western Suburbs Magpies in the Sydney AFL.

Bray this week played representative football in the NSW Under 16 championships and impressed recruiters in a variety of roles including Full Back, Centre Half Back and Centre Half Forward.

The Blues now boast three players signed under the NSW Rookie Scholarship program  - Bray, Penrith’s Jake Pianta and Pennant Hills'  Josh Fenaroli.

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.

Under the program,  Bray will spend regular periods training with Carlton. The Club  will have the option of priority listing him to their primary player list in the future.