Carlton have confirmed the futures of two formerly listed players, announcing Matt Carroll has officially been signed as a rookie through the Supplemental Selection Period, while Sam Durdin's time at the club has officially come to an end.
Carroll was drafted by the Blues in the 2023 rookie draft at Pick 15, before not being offered a contract at the end of last season. However Carroll, alongside Durdin, was invited to train with the club in a bid to earn an AFL lifeline, with Caroll impressing throughout the pre-season and earning another contract at IKON Park.
Yet to debut, the 19-year-old now has another chance to try live out his boyhood dream with Carlton, a club he has supported since a child.
Carlton list boss Nick Austin was elated Carroll was afforded another opportunity at the club.
โMatt is a really promising defender and for someone who's still just 19 years of age, we couldn't have been more impressed with how he has gone about this pre-season," Austin said.
"He's earned his spot back on the list.
โHe had a tough year last year, hampered by injury, but has shown a great level of determination and maturity in the way he has gone about his rehab program.
โHaving been here all last year, Matt has already grown a great connection with the coaches and players.
"He has continued to train with us over the pre-season and has impressed since day one.
โWe have seen his talent first-hand and we're looking forward to seeing what he can produce with a clean run as a young player remaining in the Navy Blue.โ
In contrasting news, the curtains have closed on Durdin's time at the Blues, with the 28-year-old not offered an extension after his trial this pre-season.
Durdin was drafted to Carlton in the 2022 Mid-Season Draft, after 22 games in four seasons at North Melbourne between 2017 and 2020.
Durdin would feature just twice at the top flight, delisted at the end of the 2024 season.
โWe thank Sam for all he has done for the Blues. He has been a great person to have around the Club and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavours,โ Austin said.
Carlton still have one list spot remaining on their list following Carroll's signing, with key defender and former Denver Grainger-Barras vying for an AFL lifeline at a new club.
The Blues could opt not to sign Grainger-Barras however, and instead leave the list spot available for the 2025 Mid-Season Draft.
The SSP window closes on February 21.