THE Carlton Football Club has bolstered its ruck depth with the signing of Hudson O’Keeffe as part of the pre-season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP).
Standing at over two metres tall, O’Keeffe’s has an impressive vertical leap, which saw him average over 21 hitouts per game at NAB League level for the Oakleigh Chargers.
His ground-level prowess makes the big man such a promising athlete, as well as impressing with his speed and agility.
O’Keeffe’s performances with the Chargers saw him feature for Vic Metro in the 2022 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, where he was named one of the team’s best players in the carnival-clinching game against Vic Country in 2022.
Carlton Head of List Management Nick Austin said the Club looked forward to seeing the 18-year-old grow as a developing option in Carlton’s ruck brigade.
“Hudson impressed us with his ability to not only win hitouts, but also get the ball away effectively from stoppages through his physicality and competitiveness – all strengths we think will add to an exciting mix in our rucks,” Austin said.
“Hudson will work closely with our ruck coach Matthew Kreuzer as he gets to work, building and improving his ruck craft.
“We’re also keen to make him a more well-rounded player which will come over time, so we’ll invest in his development and we’re thrilled to have him as part of the Blues.”
The Club has also placed Sam Philp on the inactive list, leaving one list spot available which can be filled before the SSP deadline next Wednesday or at the mid-season draft.
Carlton’s first hitout will be against Collingwood on Friday 24 February at 11am, with the VFL kicking off at 2pm. Both matches will be held at IKON Park.
