THE CARLTON Reserves have announced their first three re-signings of the off-season, with a trio of key position talent re-committing to the Club.

Spearheaded by the retention of their reigning best and fairest winner, it’s the first in a series of key signing announcements for the VFL Blues to come under new coach Damian Truslove.

Ethan Phillips will remain in the Navy Blue in 2026, re-signing with the VFL Blues after a season where the key defender truly excelled.

Phillips - who was crowned the Carlton Reserves’ VFL Best and Fairest - played every game in 2025.

The experienced defender was ranked No.1 in the VFL for intercepts and marks in 2025, recording 10 or more marks in half of his games.

He is joined by Sam Paea, the VFL premiership player who impressed in the final month for the Blues.

Featuring in Werribee’s 2023 Grand Final and 2024 flag as a forward, Paea returned to local football for Aberfeldie in 2025, before being trialled by Carlton as a key defender in the season’s final weeks. 

Playing three games, Paea - who is a premiership teammate of Flynn Young - had his best performance in the Round 20 win over Gold Coast with a 19-disposal showing.

Rounding out the re-signings is Dane Harvey, who had a career-best season in 2025.

Formerly of Fitzroy in the VAFA, Harvey played 10 games in 2025 after two in 2024, impressing with his ability to play at both ends. 

Playing the opening games of the season as a key defender, Harvey still finished the campaign with seven goals, kicking three against Frankston in Round 19. 

New VFL Senior Coach Damian Truslove said the trio’s re-signing was a key part of the Blues’ retention strategy for 2026.

“We’re thrilled that Ethan, Sam and Dane have recommitted to our program for the upcoming VFL season,” Truslove said.

“Even at this early stage, what’s been clear is how committed they are to their footy. There’s a lot that goes into being a VFL player, and all three are always looking at ways to get better. 

“Ethan’s CV in the competition speaks for itself: he’s been one of the most respected key defenders in the state leagues for a long period of time, and that’s no coincidence.

“With Sam and Dane, they had really promising seasons in 2025 and we think they can have a big impact for us with their ability to play at both ends of the ground.

“It’s the start of a really busy period for our VFL program and we’re delighted that the three of them have signed on for 2026.”