THE CARLTON Football Club is pleased to announce defenders Caleb Marchbank and Sam Durdin and forward David Cuningham have re-signed with the Blues for another year.  

The trio’s recommitment to the Club will see them each add further chapters to their own unique stories of football resilience.    

A favourite amongst the playing group, Marchbank has made his return to AFL level the hard way, excelling in the back half of the season.  

Since making his return to the senior side in Round 20 against Collingwood, he averaged 13.9 disposals, 2.5 intercept marks and 4.1 spoils, with his best performance coming in the preliminary final against Brisbane with eight marks and 20 disposals (10 intercepts).   

The talented intercept defender has impressive football intelligence, with the ability to negate both small and key forwards, celebrating his 50th game with the Club this season.    

Similar to Marchbank, it has been a terrific story of perseverance for Cuningham, who went 18 months on the sidelines before making his return at the start of the Blues’ nine-game winning run in the back half of 2023.    

Since his return, Cuningham averaged 14 disposals, 2.4 marks and 4.1 tackles – seeing him placed in the top 5 for tackles in the team.  

Bringing leg speed to the Blues’ front half, Cuningham’s ability to apply pressure became a trademark of his game in 2023, as showcased in his season-high seven tackles in Round 22 against Melbourne.   

Splitting his time between the forward line and midfield, his best game came in Round 21 against St Kilda with 18 disposals, 3 marks and 4 tackles.  

This season also marked another special occasion for Cuningham, playing his 50th game against the Gold Coast in Round 23. 

Cuningham was recruited from the Oakleigh Chargers at pick No.23 in the 2015 draft, making his debut for Carlton in Round 21, 2016 against Brisbane.   

Providing a tall defensive option, Durdin has the ability to lock down his direct opponent, with the additional capacity to intercept down back.     

A strong season in the VFL, Durdin’s standout performance came in Round 10 against Richmond with 26 disposals and 16 marks.   

The 27-year-old was recruited to Carlton in the 2022 NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft, debuting for the Club only 15 days later against Richmond in Round 14.   

A key defender from South Australia, Durdin was a former first round pick, playing six seasons with North Melbourne before producing two strong seasons for Glenelg in the SANFL.  

Carlton Head of List Management Nick Austin said the Club looked forward to having Marchbank, Cuningham and Durdin continue in the Navy Blue in 2024.    

“Caleb’s return to the senior side has been welcomed, slotting into the back six with a team-first mindset. He has had some really strong moments this season and his ability to perform under pressure late in the season was impressive,” Austin said.  

“We also need to acknowledge the journey it has taken for Caleb to get to where he is now, it is a huge credit to his diligence and drive to see him back and playing so well, we look forward to seeing him continue to emerge over the next 12 months.   

“David’s story has been one of incredible resolve and grit, and it is really pleasing to see his journey continue with us next year.  

“Overcoming significant injuries and setbacks, his determination to play AFL again has never wavered. He is hungry to get the best out of himself as we know he’ll attack the summer and 2024 with the mindset to build consistency in his game.    

“As soon as Sam walked through the doors of the footy club he has had such a positive impact on the playing group. Sam provides significant depth to our defensive group and is someone who is always pushing those around him to be better.    

“He is humble, works hard and is ready to do what is needed to make himself and his teammates better, all the qualities you want in a player.”