Carlton defender Simon White says it “feels great” to recommit to the Blues for another two years.

The 27-year-old, along with rookie-listed Irishman Ciaran Byrne, have both signed new two-year deals, keeping them at the Club until at least the end of 2017.

“It feels great and it’s obviously very exciting,” White said.

“To stay at the Blues for two more years means I’ll notch up my eighth year at Carlton. I love the Club and the organisation as a whole, from everyone upstairs to the boys downstairs.”

Since being recruited as a mature-aged rookie in 2010, White has played 59 games in the navy blue, recording his 50th AFL game in Round 9 this year. It’s a remarkable achievement for the 27-year-old after overcoming a fractured neck in 2013.

With plenty of new faces around the Club, White says he’s looking forward to meeting everyone when pre-season kicks off in the second week of November.

“There’s obviously been a lot of changes but I’m really looking forward to getting into pre-season and meeting everyone face-to-face,” he said.

“I’ve had a bit of a chat to Dale Amos (newly appointed backline assistant coach) and it’s very exciting to have him on board.

“I also sent our new players a text saying welcome to the Club and we’re excited to have them come down.”

As these young players start to arrive at Ikon Park, White will continue his role as a mentor and teacher, which will be even more important now that veteran Blues Chris Judd and Andrew Carrazzo have retired.

“I think certainly this year I sort of felt that way (like a leader), especially with Juddy and Carrots retiring – they have been two of the best leaders to possibly play under.

“This will be my seventh year, so any advice I can impart on these guys will be good,” he said.

During his time off White has been “relaxing”, spending some time in Bali, as well as celebrating the marriage of a teammate.

“We celebrated Ed Curnow’s wedding last Saturday so it was good to catch up with the boys, have a beer and celebrate Ed getting married.”

Carlton’s one-to-four year players return on 9 November, while the four-year-plus players return on 23 November.