THE Carlton Football Club is excited to announce that Alex Cincotta and David Handley have re-signed with its VFL side for 2022.

With the pair making strong impressions in the final stages of the truncated 2021 season, Blues’ fans can look forward to seeing what next season has in store for them.

Both reaped the rewards of their hard work before the season came to a close, with Cincotta one of the feel-good stories of the Carlton Reserves’ season.

There was plenty to like from Cincotta’s solitary appearance for the VFL Blues, able to find the footy 13 times in his first game in well over a year following ACL and hamstring injuries. 

Back again for season two, Cincotta will be looking to come back stronger than ever next season in order to lock down a consistent role in the side down back. 

After joining the Carlton Reserves mid-season, Handley made his debut in Round 12, playing the final two games of the season before it was unfortunately cut short.

However, he made a long-lasting impression with his attack on the ball and man, showing signs of what the Blues can expect to see in 2022. 

In the last game before the season was called off, Handley filled out all aspects of the stat sheet where he would finish the game with 19 disposals, one goal, six tackles and six marks. 

Carlton Reserves coach Daniel O’Keefe was eager to see what the pair could do next season with a more consistent run and a normal VFL season. 

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“Unfortunately both Alex and David didn’t get to play many games this year given circumstances out of anyone’s control: however, from what we did see, we believe there is a lot to like and we can’t wait to see what they do in 2022,” O’Keefe said. 

“Alex is someone I’ve known for a while and the way he has come back stronger and produced such a promising start in his debut is a credit to him.

“After joining us in July, David wasted no time in showing what he was capable of. It was a real shame that once he hit his stride the season was called off, but it will be great to have him back for a full season this time around.”