Potential AFL debutants

Jagga Smith

It comes as no surprise that Jagga Smith was set to make an early-season debut in 2025, before an ACL injury in February against St Kilda meant his first campaign was put on ice before it even began. In the final stages of his rehabilitation, Carlton fans are keen to see what their No.7 can provide, after the dynamic young midfielder  was taken with pick No.3 in the 2024 AFL Draft.

Ben Camporeale

If not for a four-week suspension in the VFL, there’s a fair chance that Ben Camporeale would’ve already had a senior game under his belt in the final stages of 2025. He’ll have his work cut out for him with the likes of captain Patrick Cripps and reigning John Nicholls Medallist George Hewett in a similar position, but Camporeale showed his willingness to put in the hard yards in the VFL last year, averaging over 22 disposals per game.

Harry Charleson

Returning for a second year on the rookie list, Harry Charleson showed promising signs in his first campaign in 2025, playing every VFL game and providing plenty of dash from the half-back line. Averaging 17 disposals per game for the Carlton Reserves in 2025, Charleson - affectionately known as ‘Garry’ at IKON Park, due to the amount of Harrys on the senior list - was selected with pick No.9 in the rookie draft at the end of 2024.

10:18

Inside Carlton | A big day one for five Blue housemates

Come behind the scenes of day one of pre season as we visit the household of Ashton Moir, Billy Wilson, Ben and Lucas Camporeale and Harry Charleson.

Jack Ison

The Blues’ first national draft recruit from the Carlton Academy will be hoping to carry on with his momentum from his draft year as he enters 2026. A highly skilled recruit out of the Oakleigh Chargers, Ison was no stranger to IKON Park when he officially became a Blue, having developed as part of the Club’s Academy for a number of years. A versatile prospect, he’s settled in as a forward in his first AFL pre-season.

Rob Monahan

The pacy Rob Monahan enters his third season on Carlton’s list as a Category B rookie, with 35 VFL games to his name across the opening two years. Initially starting out as a forward, the Irish youngster has added strings to his bow in recent times, spending a lot more time with the Carlton Reserves down back in 2025 while also getting experience as a run-with player.

Harry Dean

Becoming the Blues’ second consecutive No.3 selection in the draft in successive years, the son of dual premiership player Peter has showcased his talent in his first pre-season to date. Shadowing Jacob Weitering at every opportunity, it’ll be a special day when Harry pulls on the Navy Blue No.35 which his dad is the games record holder in.

05:30

Mic'd Up | Harry Dean

Experience the excitement of Draft Night as Harry Dean’s dream comes true. Follow him behind the scenes as he officially becomes a Blue.

Talor Byrne

A crafty small forward from the GWV Rebels, Talor Byrne produced a number of cameo appearances throughout his draft year of 2025, and some of that talent has again been on display as he makes his way at IKON Park. The left footer has some tricks at ground level and is a natural competitor: the Blues’ new No.39 will be keen to continue with that positive impression.

Matt Duffy

Matt Duffy arrived in Australia at the same time as Rob Monahan, but an ACL injury sustained while finishing his Gaelic season at the end of 2023 meant his first season at IKON Park had to wait until last year. He ended the 2025 campaign with 13 VFL games, slotting into a defensive post with the Carlton Reserves.

Carlton debut

Ben Ainsworth

What’s been very clear in pre-season so far is that Ben Ainsworth will add no shortage of forward craft to the Blues. With over 150 games of AFL experience to his name, Ainsworth has settled in seamlessly to life at his new club after playing all bar one game in Gold Coast’s journey to a semi final in 2025. The Blues’ new No.12 will be keen to make an instant impact in a new-look forward line.

Ollie Florent

Arriving at Carlton alongside best mate Will Hayward in the off-season, Ollie Florent has spent his first summer at IKON Park making a home for himself across half-back. A key, consistent part of Sydney’s setup in recent years (he played 130 straight games from 2019 to 2025), Florent’s leadership and dare out of defence will be welcome additions to the Blues in 2026.

Will Hayward

A player who has been long-sought after at IKON Park has arrived in Navy Blue, with Will Hayward looming as a vital piece of the Blues’ forward line for 2026 and beyond. With 184 games under his belt (the same amount as Ollie Florent) plus over 200 career goals, it hasn’t taken Hayward long to make an impact at his new club.

Liam Reidy

After two games at Fremantle, ruckman Liam Reidy explored a move at the end of 2025, landing at IKON Park in the first of a number of deals the Blues made in trade period. Reidy - who has earned the nickname ‘Chop’ - loves the competitive side of the game, competing with the likes of Marc Pittonet and Hudson O’Keeffe in training while also honing his forward craft.

Campbell Chesser

The hard-running wingman from West Coast rounds out the 13 players looking to earn a first Navy Blue nod in 2026. It was in the 2021 AFL Draft when Campbell Chesser was selected by the Eagles with a first-round selection, but after a frustrating run with injury, finds himself at IKON Park ready to make the most of a fresh start: his final four games of 2025 were a reminder of what he can provide.