EVERYONE’S got a story, as Matthew Carroll says himself. But his story could’ve been very different.
Recruited as a rookie at the end of 2023, Carroll’s Carlton story nearly ended as quickly as it began. A groin injury for the majority of 2024 scuppered his plans for his debut season, and as is the uncertainty of one-year rookie deals, there were some turbulent times for the boyhood Blue.
Invited back to train over the summer, Carroll hardly put a foot wrong. Rewarded with a second chance via the supplementary selection period, Carroll was back where he began - but he was intent on making it work.
As 2025 has panned out, it’s even exceeded the youngster’s wildest dreams. While this time last year he found himself in the most uncertain and uncomfortable of positions, the young Blue has not only ticked off the dream of an AFL debut, but he now has the security of a two-year contract after extending with the Club until at least the end of 2027.
Speaking to Carlton Media this week, Carroll is still coming to terms with how the last six months have played out.
“It’s been a bit of a struggle, but everyone has a story. I’ve learned a lot about myself as a player and as a person over the last year and a bit - I’m really proud of the position I’ve put myself in,” Carroll said.
“It’s a massive show of faith: I’m really grateful to the Club for not just the two years, but the opportunity to get back on the list and train. I’ll do everything I can to repay that faith.”
It was back in Gather Round when Carroll earned his first Carlton start, with Thursday night’s game against Brisbane to mark his 11th at the level. While the year hasn’t panned out how the team would’ve wanted on the whole, there’s still the element of a young Carroll realising his dream in front of thousands every week.
And he’s not alone.
Carroll is one of seven AFL debutants for the Blues so far this season: only once since 2000 have the Blues had more in a single season (eight in 2007). When he runs out onto Marvel Stadium tonight, he does so with fellow 2025 debutants Harry O’Farrell and Flynn Young - while Cooper Lord and Ashton Moir weren’t long before that, in the penultimate round of 2024’s home-and-away season.
“I still pinch myself when we run through the banner and the song’s playing. I remember going to that many games as a kid and watching the boys do that - never in a million years did I think I’d be running out,” he said.
“It feels like I was just debuting yesterday. I remember when I got that spot on the list, I thought if I could have a strong year in the VFL, maybe I could get a game - to play 10 so far, I’m happy with that.
“I didn’t think this would be a reality to start the year. There were times I thought I’d never be able to pull on any AFL guernsey at all - for it to be the Carlton one, I’m really pumped.”
