Former West Coast and Western Bulldogs forward Josh Carter (formerly Hill) has signed with the Point Cook Bulldogs for the 2025 Western Football Netball League (WFNL) season.
Carter played for five years at the Bulldogs between 2007 and 2011 after being selected with the 61st pick in the 2006 AFL draft. He made 66 appearances as a Bulldog before moving back to his home state to join the Eagles.
Carter was a member of the grand final team for the Eagles in 2015 after an impressive 40-goal season, but West Coast fell short at the final hurdle. He played another two years post the grand final defeat but was unable to recapture his potency inside 50, kicking just 24 and 16 goals in 2016 and 2017.
Carter was delisted at the end of the 2017 season at 28 years of age.
Point Cook announced they were thrilled with Carter's signing in a club statement.
"The Point Cook Football Club is thrilled to announce that Josh Carter (formerly Hill) has signed with the club for the 2025 season," the club said.
"Josh is an exciting forward who played 178 games in the AFL, representing both the Western Bulldogs and West Coast Eagles, and kicking 224 goals. A key figure in the 2015 AFL Grand Final, Josh's career has been nothing short of impressive."
Point Cook also noted their excitement for Carter to promote a positive off-field culture with the 35-year-old keen to join a leadership position.
"As a proud Indigenous man, Josh's contributions extend beyond the field. Playing representative football with the Indigenous All-Stars is a career highlight, and he is eager to take on a leadership role within the club, particularly in promoting NAIDOC Week activities in 2025. His passion for education and cultural awareness is sure to leave a lasting impact on the club and the community," Point Cook said in their statement.
"Josh's experience, mentorship, and dedication will be invaluable to our young playing group."
Point Cook will hope the AFL experience of Carter will improve the Bulldog's on-field performances, after a wooden-spoon year saw them finish last in Division 1 of the WFNL, winning just three times from 16 games.
