IT WAS a recruiting trip in 2023 that selectors got their first glimpse of Rob Monahan. Initially scouted playing Gaelic football in Ireland, the medium defender was signed by the Blues as an International rookie alongside Matt Duffy.
Settling in at IKON Park ahead of the 2024 season, Monahan appeared in 18 VFL outings with the Carlton Reserves, playing mainly up forward.
Looking to expand on his start in Navy Blue, 2025 was anything but the perfect start for the 21-year-old – the boy from Kerry reflected on the highs and lows of the year so far.
“It was obviously a big disruption to the start of my year nursing that groin injury - but the medical rehab team here are top class, I worked very closely with them,” he said.
“I did all the right things, put my head down worked hard got my body right.”
Despite the setback, it didn’t take long for the resilient youngster to get back to what he loves. Making his way back into the VFL side ahead of the Round 3 clash with Southport, Monahan has shown more than a few signs in his new role down back.
The pick of the bunch came on the weekend with an 18-disposal performance against Collingwood, with VFL Senior Coach Luke Power labelling it as arguably Monahan's best performance to date.
“I’ve just been trying to build on my game. Just really enjoying the process, showing up each day and trying to get getting better.”
Having a growing contribution across his 12 games this season, Monahan was revelling in the joys of back-to-back VFL wins on Saturday – but it was something else that took the cake as the highlight of his week.
Being over 24 hours from home, it’s not all that often he gets visitors. However, with a big milestone falling last week – that being his 21st birthday - Monahan’s parents made the 17,000-kilometre journey to spend the big day alongside him.
“Oh mate, it’s so good for me having the parents over - they’re actually over for my 21st birthday which is pretty special,” he said.
“It’s really nice for them to be here and just see all the hard work they put in pay off over here – I’m living the dream really.
“We’re actually two from two now that they’ve been here, so we’re going to say it’s the luck of the Irish. It’s special to get the win when they’re here - it’s all for them.”
While speaking on his biggest support network, he also touched on who he leans on away from home. Unable to exclude anyone, Monahan commended the whole group, expressing his gratitude for his teammates.
“The boys have been brilliant. I wouldn’t be able to do it if it wasn’t for them.
“There’s a number of boys I can name here but it’s every single one of them. They’re all a shoulder to lean on if I ever have any problems. We’ve got a good young group and we’re all very well connected, playing good footy together.”
Jaspar Wilson-Keir is a student at La Trobe University, undergoing his Bachelor of Media and Communications (Journalism and Marketing). He is currently undertaking an internship at the Carlton Football Club as part of its partnership with La Trobe University.
