“EVEN though I’ve only been here for a year, it feels like I’ve been at this club my whole life.”
From the memorabilia at home to the stint at the Carlton Reserves to the dream of being in Navy Blue at the MCG as a young kid, Will White’s love for the game and his club has never subsided.
Continuing to play with the energy and the smile on his face he’s had ever since he officially walked in the door, the grateful youngster can’t hide his delight at representing his team - no matter how difficult 2025 has been for the Blues.
A member of the Club’s youthful core in recent weeks, the 21-year-old from Warrnambool played his role on the weekend, contributing two goals and three holding-the-ball tackles despite the Blues falling by 24 points to the Hawks.
Signed to the list following an extension of the supplemental selection period deadline, White has now played 11 games in the Navy Blue… yet his excitement remains at the levels of his very first.
“I was saying to the boys that every time I get to play, it’s like I’m debuting. Especially on the weekend, going out onto the MCG and looking out to the crowd - I would picture myself out there when I was 10 years old.
“I feel like a fan as much as when I’m playing, to be honest.”
Yet while he feels like he’s still just starting out, there’s also that hunger to succeed, the drive to improve.
Understanding the “privilege” of pulling on the Navy Blue jumper whenever called upon, White has loved every minute - the highs and the lows - particularly alongside close mate Ashton Moir.
There was even a customary Carlton jumper pull on the weekend: a more successful one this time around, having mistakenly celebrated with a similar celebration against Melbourne when he didn’t realise his shot on goal narrowly clipped the inside of the post.
“[Ashton and I] are just two boyhood kids that love football: we cherish it when we get to play together and we just love bringing energy,” White said.
“I’m loving it, I love walking into the Club every day. It’s something I’ve always aspired to do. It’s been a pretty difficult year in terms of how we’ve gone, but I’m loving every moment and not taking any of it for granted.
“I come in every day like it’s my last at the Club: I think that’s what you have to do. You can’t take a job like this for granted. I’ll continue to work really hard to get the best out of myself.
“I love pulling on the jumper, it’s so special to me. I have a lot of pride in it.”
