In 2025, Carlton had seven players make their AFL debut for the Blues, the most for the Club in a single season since 2017. We recap each of their debut seasons in the Navy Blue.  

Lucas Camporeale (Round 1) 

Lucas Camporeale made his debut when Carlton lined up against Richmond in the Victorian season opener in Round 1. Camporeale was selected as a father/son with pick No.54 in the 2024 AFL draft. A smart baller user, Camporeale showcased his impressive running capacity with a strong debut outing of 20 disposals, three marks and five tackles. Flourishing in the elite environment at IKON Park, the next generation of the Camporeale name was one for fans to get excited about.   

Will White (Round 4) 

Childhood Blue Will White made his AFL debut in front of a sold-out crowd when the Blues took on the Pies in a Thursday night blockbuster at the MCG. Joining the Club as part of the pre-season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) at the start of the year, White played every game for the Carlton reserves in 2024 before being offered a spot on the AFL list. A speedy small forward, White possesses the ability to break out of contests and move the ball forward. Playing in 14 games across the 2025 season, kicking his first AFL goal in the Round 5 win against West Coast, where he also had 15 disposals and six marks. 

Matt Carroll (Round 5) 

Carroll’s debut came in Round 5 when the Blues travelled to South Australia to take on West Coast for Gather Round. Joining Carlton with pick No.15 in the 2023 AFL Rookie Draft, Carroll was re-signed to the Blues list at the start of the year as part of the pre-season SSP. Going on to play 17 games for the season, the emerging defender was a real highlight for Blues fans in the backline. Renowned for this agility and speed, he possesses impressive football IQ, backing himself in the air and on the ground. The 19-year-old earned himself the Telstra AFL Rising Star nomination in the last round of the year, after an impressive showing against rivals Essendon where he had 15 disposals, seven marks and five score involvements. In July, the No. 32 re-signed with the Club until at least the end of 2027.  

Harry O’Farrell (Round 11) 

Harry O’Farrell, also a boyhood Blue, lived out his lifelong dream when he ran out for his AFL debut when the Blues played against GWS Giants in Round 11. After injuries hampered his season last year, the 18-year-old has attacked training in an impressive manner beyond his years, putting in a lot of hard work to get his body right for his senior debut. Standing at 197cm, O’Farrell has impressive speed for a player of his height, whilst also having poise in the air and exceptional football IQ to be able to read the play and take intercept marks. Playing six games this year, O’Farrell was a shining light for the Blues in the back half of the season, who unfortunately ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his keen in Round 21 against Fremantle – the game he also kicked his first AFL goal. Like Carroll, O’Farrell also re-signed with the Club for at least another year.   

Hudson O’Keeffe (Round 13) 

Hudson O’Keeffe made his AFL debut in the Blues’ King’s Birthday Eve clash against Essendon. A talented ruckman and forward, standing at over two meters tall, O’Keeffe is a natural and competitive athlete with strong aerial ability, showcased with five contested marks on debut. Recruited from the Oakleigh Chargers, and representing Vic Metro, O’Keeffe joined the Blues as an SSP signing at the start of 2023, developing his craft in the VFL. A determined individual, O’Keeffe, nicknamed Skull, lived out his childhood dream of kicking a goal in the AFL in Round 22 when the Blues took on Gold Coast. O’Keeffe became the fifth player to make his AFL debut for the Blues this season, the most for the Club in a single season since 2019. 

Billy Wilson (Round 16) 

Billy Wilson ran out in the Navy Blue for the first time when Carlton took on Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval in Round 16. Selected with pick No.34 in the 2023 AFL Draft, the Dromana local was recruited from the Dandenong Stingrays. Starring across half-back in the VFL, Wilson got the notice of the coaches when he played a starring role in the Carlton Reserves Round 13 match with 24 disposals and eight marks. Wearing the No.35 jumper, Wilson boasts explosive speed from the back half, with the ability to find his teammates further up the field. Going on to play four games this season, he had an AFL career high 19 disposals against Essendon in the final round of the season.  Wilson also re-signing in August for another year at the Blues.  

 
Flynn Young (Round 16) 

Flynn Young also made his AFL debut in Round 16 when the Blues took on the Power in Adelaide. A half-forward/wingman, Young was recruited from Werribee, joining the Blues as a Mid-Season Rookie Draftee. Possessing genuine X-factor in the front half, Young is highly regarded for not only his classy left foot but also his aerial ability. Kicking five goals in his three VFL games for the Carlton Reserves, Young uses his strong running capacity to his advantage, finishing his work when the opportunity arises. An extremely determined individual, the 23-year-old played a total of eight games for the 2025 season, earning himself a career high 19 disposals in the Round 24 win against Essendon, where he also had eight marks and kicked two goals.