CARLTON midfielder Yasmin Duursma and defender Amelia Velardo have both signed contract extensions with the Carlton Football Club, keeping them in the Navy Blue until at least the end of 2027.   

It is a deserved reward for the two Blues, who have registered career-best seasons in Navy Blue to earn their respective two-year extensions. 

Arriving at IKON Park in the 2023 off-season from Port Adelaide, Duursma has been a welcome addition to the Blues after making her debut in Round 5, 2024, with Michael Voss making the presentation of her first guernsey. 

Finding her feet on the wing this season after a move from the backline, Duursma has impressed in her new position, reaching career-high averages for disposals, tackles and marks this season. 

She found her feet from the outset this season, with an 18-disposal, six-mark game against Brisbane in Round 3 the pick of the bunch, while she also recorded 11 tackles in the win over GWS. 

Velardo has been in outstanding form this season, missing just two matches and proving to be a rock-solid part of the backline as well as excelling with her ball use across her 11 games.   

A childhood Bluebagger, Velardo embodies what it means to play for the monogram, often putting her body on the line for the benefit of her teammates.  

In her spare time, the 23-year-old also volunteers with the Adam Saad Pathways Girls Academy as she begins to establish herself in coaching.  

Head of AFLW Ash Naulty said Duursma and Velardo have both shown impressive growth this season.    

“Yasmin and Amelia have both had their most consistent seasons, coming off the back of strong pre-seasons, a true testament to their hard work and dedication,” Naulty said. 

“Yasmin has had an impressive year on the wing, a move that suits her endurance and work rate, which are some of her defining attributes.    

“Despite having an injury-interrupted season, Yasmin was able to find her way back into the team and has put out some great performances on the field.  

“Amelia is a tough and composed defender who never backs down from a contest. She’s all heart on the field, and her teammates often give her praise for her commitment to her defensive craft and protecting her space.   

“We are all excited to have Yasmin and Amelia sign on with Carlton and are excited for their future in the Navy Blue.”  

Blues fans can cheer the team on this Saturday at 7:15pm at IKON Park when the AFLW side take on Hawthorn in the semi final.