The Carlton Football Club has made further off-season signings with Matthew Owies and Matthew Cottrell remaining in Navy Blue for two more years while Sam Durdin and Josh Honey have signed one-year deals. 

Owies earns a multi-year deal following a consistent year in the forward line during 2022. 

The 25-year-old has worked his way into the 22, linking up with the likes of Zac Fisher, Corey Durdin and Jesse Motlop to produce some exciting football. 

Owies fought to make his spot in the senior side permanent and featured in 13 consecutive games in 2021 before lining up for the first 14 games of the 2022 season. 

Cottrell had an outstanding year, elevating himself into a permanent player at senior level, bursting onto the scene with a 22-disposal showing against Port Adelaide in Round 5 and playing in every game for the remainder of the season. 

The 22-year-old proved he was able to move when needed between the midfield and forward line, displaying a level of consistency that saw him develop his game to a new level during his fourth season at IKON Park.  

Durdin earns a full season on the Blues’ list after being selected with pick No.13 in the 2022 NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft. 

The defender made his debut just two weeks later against Richmond: while it would unfortunately be his only senior game for the year as he sustained a medial ligament injury, he returned through the VFL with some strong performances heading into their finals campaign. 

Honey will be looking to secure a more permanent position in the senior side, playing five AFL games this year after returning from injury mid-season: he picked up a career-high 14 disposals in the Round 19 clash with Greater Western Sydney. 

The 20-year-old forward was taken at pick No.3 in the 2020 NAB AFL Rookie Draft and has played 11 senior games for the Blues in the past three seasons. 

Carlton Head of List Management Nick Austin said all four players would have important roles to play as the list matures heading into 2023. 

“As our AFL playing list continues to develop, competition for spots is going to greatly increase. Matt Owies and Matthew Cottrell have been a core part of pushing their way into the side over the last 12 months which is a real credit to them, while Sam and Josh will work hard to do the same heading into next season,” Austin said. 

“Matt Owies’ commitment that he puts in behind the scenes is certainly translating into his strong on-field results while Matthew Cottrell has shown incredible drive since he was first signed in 2019, and this season we got to see him really settle into his role and find his place in the side. 

“Sam’s chance came about due to multiple existing injuries in our backline at the time, but he took the opportunity with both hands and played a solid game until succumbing to his own untimely injury. He returned through the VFL, and we saw enough to know he can progress into a strong key defender. 

“Josh stepped up when required at AFL level this year, and we’re excited to continue his development and look to integrate him into an already strong forward line. 

“We’re thrilled that all four players have chosen to re-commit to Carlton and see their careers take the next step in the Navy Blue.”