CARLTON has announced the re-signing of key defender Jarrad Waite as well as youngsters Jordan Russell and Joe Anderson.

Waite, 25, has played 106 games for the Blues and has signed on for three years while Russell and Anderson were each signed to two-year deals.

“The club has made a commitment to provide the personnel and structure to continue the development of the playing group, both as individuals and as a team, and we believe Jarrad, Jordan and Joe are very important players for the Carlton Football Club going forward,” general manager of football operations Steven Icke said in a statement released on Thursday.

After spending time in both attack and defence since being taken as a father-son selection in the 2001 NAB AFL Draft, Waite has been settled into the centre half-back role by Brett Ratten this season, and his form saw him earn inclusion in the AFL Hall of Fame Tribute Match.

"It is an exciting time to be involved with the Carlton Football Club," Waite said.

"We have had some tough years since I made my debut and I am keen to play my role in the continued resurgence of the club."

Russell, 21, was drafted ninth overall in 2004 and played his 50th match for the Blues in round 22 this season.

"Jordan enters his fifth season of senior football in 2009. He played 21 games for the club in 2008 and we believe his development will continue as he gains more experience at AFL level," Icke said of the midfielder.

Nineteen-year-old Anderson is seen to have a bright future in Carlton's back six after the club picked him 67th overall in the 2006 draft.

"Joe Anderson made his senior debut last year and has now played nine AFL matches. He has continued to impress and will look to consolidate his position in the team in 2009," Icke said.