THE mantra of ‘owning the future’ was never more evident at Carlton in 2018.

Over the course of 12 months, a dozen players committed their future to the Blues going forward.

Whether it was a case of veterans going around once again or the Club’s youngsters signing on for multiple years, the theme was consistent: faith in Carlton’s direction, and wanting to play their part in it.

What they said

No.2 — Paddy Dow
Re-signed until 2022

“I was thrilled to be drafted by the Blues and I’m stoked to have extended my contract for a further three years. It’s pretty clear we are all united under ‘Bolts’ as a playing group and we’re so determined to climb that ladder.

"I want to go out there and keep earning the respect of my teammates and keep improving as a midfielder, learning from the likes of Marc Murphy and Patrick Cripps.”

No.3 — Marc Murphy
Re-signed until 2020

“Ultimately, it was an easy decision to put pen to paper on this new deal with the Club. I love this place and my teammates and I’m more determined than ever to get this club back to where we belong.

"I know the direction that this young playing list is heading and that’s what drives me every day. I want to continue to get the most out of this group by driving the standards of myself and others to ensure there is success in the coming years.”

No.4 — Lochie O’Brien
Re-signed until 2021

“I feel very lucky to have had the the opportunity to get drafted, play my first AFL game and now sign on with the Club for a further two years. Running out in the navy blue was a childhood dream realised.

"I’m excited to be part of this group under ‘Bolts' — I’m grateful to the Club for the opportunity and want to continue training hard and learning my craft.”

No.6 — Kade Simpson
Re-signed until 2019

“I love this football club, and after being here for nearly 17 years it’s an extension of my family. I still feel I have plenty to offer the group so I’m rapt to be continuing on for another year.

"I want to be part of sustained team success and help build that with this group. It’s up to us as leaders to drive those standards so I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.”

No.9 — Patrick Cripps
Re-signed until 2021

“This club is a second home to me and the friends I’ve made at Carlton are like family, so I never had any intention to leave. The support the Club has given me since I arrived has been exceptional.

"I want to repay the belief they have shown in me over the past five years. You play football to achieve team success, and as a group, we’re committed to putting in the hard work to get results.”

No.10 — Harry McKay
Re-signed until 2021

“We’re a tight-knit playing group and I want to be working hard alongside these boys to bring success to our club once again.

"Seeing so many of the boys re-sign this year is a clear sign that we want to stick together and do everything we possibly can for our members and supporters, to make this next era an exciting one for us all.”

No.12 — Tom De Koning
Re-signed until 2021

“Since I arrived at the Club in November (of 2017), I’ve really loved being a part of it, learning about the game, preparation and being in an elite environment.

"I think we’re part of an exciting playing group here at Carlton and we’re on the right track. I want to continue to learn from the older players like Matthew Kreuzer and Marc Murphy.”

No.25 — Zac Fisher
Re-signed until 2021

“Working alongside the likes of Marc Murphy and Patrick Cripps has been huge for my game so far - there’s a real thirst to learn amongst the group.

"We’re a group that’s in it for the long haul together: it’s nice to be able to have your future secured for at least the next three years and now I’m really focused on playing my role for the side and getting us back to where we want to be.”

No.29 — Cameron Polson
Re-signed until 2020

“Carlton is a great football club and I feel very lucky and thankful to represent this jumper and play for the Blues.

"I’m a big believer that you get out what you put in, so when I’m at the Club I make the most of every minute and learn as much as I can. I’m determined to maximise this opportunity and I’m excited by our direction.”

No.30 — Charlie Curnow
Re-signed until 2023

“It was never an option to go anywhere else. I’m very thankful to the Club for the opportunity to extend my contract for a further four years.

"The Club is basically an extension of my family. I’m rapt to be staying around and helping us get to where we belong — I really believe in where our football program is heading.”

No.36 — Patrick Kerr
Re-signed until 2019

“Running out for my first senior game was a dream come true. Being at Carlton is an environment I want to be part of for the long-term.

"It’s a club I’ve clearly supported for my whole life and I want to repay the faith they’ve shown in me over the past couple of years since I was drafted.”

No.39 — Dale Thomas
Re-signed until 2019

“Earlier [last] year, I sat back and realised that footy was the one thing I really loved to do and realised it was a privilege to play week in and week out.

"The more you play, the more you have a responsibility to pass on and we have a great group of young players here at the Blues. I love this club — it could all click really quickly and I want to be part of it.”