Carlton have announced that rookie signing Will White will make his AFL debut against Collingwood on Thursday night, just 38 days after officially joining the Blues' list.
The 21-year-old taken out of South Warrnambool earned a spot on Carlton's VFL list in 2024, playing 18 games and kicking 21 goals. He was signed to the Blues' AFL list after training with the club through pre-season, and replaced Jagga Smith after the highly-touted draftee was placed on the inactive list due to rupturing his ACL in a practice match against St Kilda.
The 179cm Blue's best scoring performance at VFL level came against Gold Coast, when he kicked three goals and three behinds to go along with 13 disposals.
White can also accumulate possessions on the wing when needed as well, recording 21 disposals on three occasions. In his sole outing for the Blues' VFL side this season, White racked up 17 touches, nine marks and a goal in a tight loss to Box Hill.
Thanks to the AFL extending the SSP signing window, White has not only earned a position on an AFL list, but will now make his debut in a packed-out MCG to participate in one of football's oldest and strongest rivalries, with a sold-out crowd anticipated to flock to watch Collingwood and Carlton.
Collingwood are aiming to continue their winning form after dismantling Port Adelaide and edging out the Bulldogs, while Carlton are desperate to make amends for a shock 0-3 start to the season.
