Carlton ruckman Hudson O'Keeffe, a 200cm supplemental signing from 2023, has committed to the club on a new two-year deal that will keep him at Ikon Park until 2026.
The news comes amid the youngster's injury recovery, with O'Keefe currently sidelined after impressing in six VFL outings this season following his first full pre-season at the elite level.
His best performance came in a thrilling one-point defeat to Collingwood, in which he collected 18 disposals, nine clearances and 33 hitouts.
The 19-year-old is a long-term project, waiting in the wings by the emerging Tom De Koning and veteran Marc Pittonet.
Still, with obvious height and an impressive vertical leap, Carlton hold faith in his chances of starring at AFL level after missing out at the 2022 National Draft.
One for the future.
Hudson OโKeeffe has shown some great signs in the VFL this year, and heโs staying at IKON Park for another two years!
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) June 28, 2024
"Hudson has really embraced his opportunity in an elite environment and has really started to come into his own in his second year competing at VFL," Carlton's List Manager Nick Austin said after the signing.
"While his injury has sidelined him for a period this year, we admire Hudson's work ethic and resilience. He has also more than held his own in the games he has played this year and his appetite to get better every day is something we love.ย
"He will continue to work with Matthew Kreuzer and the ruck group, and no doubt he is already reaping the benefits, competing with the experienced players in our ruck division at training during the week.
"We look forward to seeing Hudson continue to emerge in the seasons ahead."
