“IT’S LIKE nothing I’ve ever experienced before.”

This time last year, Ashton Moir was dreaming of representing the Navy Blue on the MCG. Now heading into 2026, he’s hungry for much more.

Carlton’s No.43 had two cameo appearances as sub to end his debut campaign of 2024, before strong VFL form was rewarded with a consistent run in the senior side to close out 2025.

As part of a youthful core, Moir’s talent in the forward line was on display, playing the last eight games of the season, kicking 10 goals while earning a Rising Star nomination for his showing against Melbourne in Round 19.

With plenty of change in Carlton’s forward line over the off-season, Moir wants to seize the initiative leading into next year.

Additionally, he wants to make sure that his love of the game never dissipates.

“Being out there is just so good - seeing 80,000 or 90,000 people… it’s addicting, I want to be out there all the time. I just love it,” Moir told the Summer Sessions podcast.

“I feel like I belonged at the level, and that drives me to want to play more games.

“It’s so fun, that’s the reason you play. It’s the most important part: you play your best footy when you’re having fun and enjoying your time being around your best mates.

“It’s really important to never lose that.”

Moir spent Friday’s open training session in the same forward line as Brodie Kemp, who is on the comeback trail from an Achilles injury, as well as new recruits Will Hayward and Ben Ainsworth.

When it comes to Hayward, the young South Australian said the former Swan was a player he watched closely throughout his junior career, and was keen to officially play alongside the new Blue with games fast approaching.

“He’s a player I watched when I was growing up and he was at the Swans, knowing that we were in a similar position. The way that he attacks training, attacks his off-field stuff and the little stuff in the gym, being able to learn the standards he brings has been big for me.

“I’m really looking forward to learning more from him throughout the year and playing alongside him hopefully.”