Geelong great Tom Hawkins, Fremantle legend Matthew Pavlich and former Pick 1 Brett Deledio will headline a return to footy in the fourth edition of the Carlton Draft.
The campaign - launched in 2022 - is designed to give back to struggling local clubs by welcoming down former AFL stars, helping draw big crowds and awareness to the football community.
This year, the Carlton Draft will be heading interstate for the first time (thanks to Carlton Dry), welcoming all clubs around the nation to apply for their chance to host an AFL star.
Hawkins - who hung up the boots after 18 seasons with the Cats, including three premierships, five All-Australians, a Coleman medal and a Carji Greeves Medal - is the first cab off the rank.
The father-son gun will follow in the footsteps of fellow key forward stars who have joined the program, namely Matthew Lloyd from last year.
"Everyone knows my passion for local footy, so when I got the call from Dyl and Browny to
join this year's Carlton Draft, it was an easy decision," Hawkins said following the announcement.
"I've loved seeing some of my great mates and old rivals getting back on the park in the last few years – the crowds have been unbelievable.
"They say you're a long time retired and after only a few months, I can understand why. I
still feel like I've got a lot to offer and I'm excited to see where I'm drafted, then get out
there and play my best footy. I'm sure it will be a special day.
Deledio will also be up for grabs, after a stellar career for both the Tigers and the Giants.
The Pick 1 in the 2004 draft played 243 games for Richmond, spanning over a dozen years before heading to GWS for the final three seasons of his career.
Deledio was a two-time All-Australian, two-time Jack Dyer medallist and an AFL Rising Star in 2005.
Hawkins has joined fellow iconic forward Pavlichm, who will make a comeback to football since retiring in 2016 after 353 games and 700 goals.
The program has also introduced former Carlton Draft player-turned-recruiter Dylan Buckley to assist Carlton Draft commissioner Jonathan Brown in luring some of the game's biggest names.
"The brief from Browny was clear – we need more goals from our Draft stars this season, so go out and sign some power forwards," Buckley said.
Previous players like Lloyd, Isaac Smith, Trent Cotchin and Leigh Montagna have featured in years gone past.
Entries for The Carlton Draft 2025 are now open and close on March 18, with five winning clubs - three in Victoria, one in Western Australia and one in New South Wales - will be announced at the end of next month.
The Carlton Draft night, when the winning clubs announce their star players, will be held
in late April before The Carlton Draft 2025 matchdays commence.
