Carlton cult figure Matthew Cottrell has recently inked a new deal, keeping him at the club until the end of 2027.
Rewarded for his consistency and tenacity, Cottrell has found himself to be a mainstay under Michael Voss.
๐๐ง๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ญ๐ก๐ซ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐ฒ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ.
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— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) March 19, 2024
Head of List Management Nick Austin said the 24-year-old is an understated talent in the competition and embodies what the Blues are about.
โMatthew is the definition of โteam first', which is why he has the respect of everyone at our football club,โ Austin said.
โWe continue to be impressed by his work ethic, the role he plays in the side is valued highly and we know whatever challenge we throw at Matthew, he just takes it in his stride and does whatever he can to help his teammates.
โMatthew is also a great personality around the club, a much-loved member on and off-field who has built so many close friendships here at the Club - he simply is a great teammate.
โWe know he is only just starting on what has been a unique football journey, we can't wait to see him continue to improve.โ
Taking the unusual route to an AFL list, Cottrell was initially overlooked in the National and Rookie Drafts.
Asked down to train during the pre-season of 2019, the Blues signed the fierce competitor through the pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP).
After debuting in Round 11, 2020, Cottrell has featured in 56 games for Carlton and looks to have locked in a spot in the senior side.
The youngster has followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Len, who also played for the Blues.
โIt's sort of sunk in now. It took a couple of years where it was a wild ride and it didn't feel real at all,โ Cottrell toldย RSNย earlier in the year.
โI'm so excited to play for the Blues where my grandpa played, and it's exciting to go on that journey with my family as well.โ
