THE CARLTON Football Club is pleased to announce the re-signing of 10 of its AFL players.

Marc Murphy, Ed Curnow and Levi Casboult have all inked new one-year deals to continue their careers at Ikon Park.

Defender Lachie Plowman has committed long-term, signing for three years to remain in the Navy Blue until at least the end of 2023, while fellow defenders Nic Newman and Caleb Marchbank have also committed to the Club for one and two years respectively.

First-round draft pick Sam Philp has penned a two-year contract extension, on top of the additional year he already had to run, while fellow first-year player and Round 12 debutant Josh Honey has earned a one-year rookie deal, as has Matthew Cottrell.

Michael Gibbons has earned a promotion to the senior list for the 2021 season after two consistent years at the elite level.

The definition of loyalty in the modern game, Murphy will add to his 285 career games, which are already a record in the No.3 Navy Blue guernsey.

A key pillar in the Carlton midfield from the day he was selected with the first overall pick in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft, Murphy will now further cement his legacy as one of the Club’s modern-day greats.

In addition to captaining the Blues for six seasons from 2013–2018, Murphy is a two-time John Nicholls Medallist, All Australian and in Round 7 this year was awarded AFL Life Membership.

One of the most beloved Carlton players in the modern era, Curnow has consistently given his all for the guernsey over the last 10 seasons.

The 30-year-old has built his career off hard work and determination, starting out as a rookie with the Adelaide Crows in 2008 before two eye-catching seasons in the VFL for Box Hill.

Now after 182 games, Curnow stands as one of the AFL’s most respected players. He has also been a member of the Blues’ leadership group since 2016, playing a leading hand in the growth and development of his younger teammates.

Casboult is arguably the AFL’s most improved player in recent seasons and has penned a one-year contract to add the latest chapter to a great football story full of perseverance and hard work.

The 30-year-old has come of age in the Blues’ forward line to now hold his place among the game’s elite contested marks, ranking sixth in the competition.

From being selected at pick No.44 in the 2010 rookie draft, over the course of 141 games the power forward has become one of the Club’s most beloved players among the Navy Blue faithful.

Plowman’s three-year commitment follows the four-year extension penned by fellow defender Jacob Weitering last month.

Plowman has solidified his placed in the Blues’ best 22 in recent seasons through a team-first role that often requires him to take the opposition’s most dangerous forward on a weekly basis.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough 2019 season, which saw him finish third in the best and fairest count. He carried that form through to the 2020 season, forming a significant part of an established Carlton back six.

Newman will also remain at Ikon Park until at least the end of 2021 after building a reputation as a player who leaves it all out there for the Carlton jumper.

Since arriving at the Blues from Sydney at the end of 2018, Newman has endeared himself to the Carlton faithful for the passion and effort he showcases every time he takes the field. He missed just two games in his debut season for the Club last year and while a knee injury in Round 2 saw his 2020 season cut short, the Club and every Bluebagger looks forward to seeing Newman back in the Navy Blue next year.

Eighteen months after arriving at Ikon Park through the 2019 pre-season supplemental selection period, Gibbons and Cottrell have both signed one-year deals.

Gibbons has been upgraded from the rookie list which is well-deserved recognition for a player who has been one of football’s great stories in recent seasons. The 25-year-old missed just one game for the Club in his debut season and backed that up with a further 15 games in 2020 – building a reputation as a consistent and hard-working footballer.

Cottrell followed in the footsteps of his grandfather Len when he made his debut for the Club in Round 11 and has earned his place on the rookie list again for 2021.

Emerging forward Philp did not have to wait long for his AFL debut, which arrived in Round 4 in a one-point win over arch-rival Essendon. Born and raised in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, the humble teenager impressed his teammates with his work rate from the moment he walked through the doors of Ikon Park.

After also making his debut this year, against the Dockers, Honey will remain on the Club’s rookie list until at least the end of 2021. The 18-year-old’s electric pace and smooth movement at ground level have been eye-catching as he continued to take impressive steps in his development during his first season with the Blues.

Marchbank has penned a new two-year deal having played 41 games for the Blues since joining the Club at the end of 2016. A knee injury curtailed the first half of his 2020 campaign but the emerging defender returned with some impressive performances at reserve level, which will set up his 2021 pre-season campaign.

Carlton Head of List Management Nick Austin said the Club was delighted to retain all 10 players.

“There is enormous belief across our entire football club in the direction we are heading and today’s announcement is further proof of that,” Austin said.

“Murph has been a class player and leader for this football club for well over a decade. For where our list is currently at, it is invaluable to have someone of Murph’s experience, professionalism and knowledge of what it takes to earn a long career at the elite level.

“Levi has worked incredibly hard to get to where he has and he’s earned every bit of that through sheer hard work. In addition to being an important player for us on-field, Levi is a great person and much loved by his teammates, staff and also our members and supporters.

“A player and person of the quality of Ed Curnow is so valuable to a football club. He has been a terrific player for Carlton for 10 years and we look forward to seeing him continue to have a positive impact on our group both on and off the field.

“Lachie often gets the toughest job down back week in and week out. His ability to play a selfless role for the team on game day has made him a valuable member of this football club.

“There wouldn’t be many players who deserve the opportunity they have been given more than Gibbo. He’s worked so hard to get to where he has, but the best part is that he hasn’t taken the foot off once he’s got there. Instead, he has taken his work rate to a new level and that desire and hunger to succeed is infectious across our whole group.

“Sam, Josh and Matthew continue to impress their teammates and coaches with their work rate and desire to improve and get the most out of their development every day and while Nic and Caleb have been limited in their on-field opportunities of late, we know both players have a lot to bring to our backline group moving forward.”