A LOOK at Carlton's defensive stocks heading into 2026.

Lachie Cowan

The boyhood Bluebagger is readying himself for his fourth season at IKON Park, after the Tasmanian became a Blue following a live trade in the 2022 AFL Draft. It didn’t take long for Cowan to realise his childhood dream when he made his Round 1 debut in front of over 88,000 people, and has had every act be supported by the ‘Moo’ from Carlton fans in response. His 2024 season was the breakthrough campaign for the young defender, and while there were frustrations with his body in 2025, his last two months of the season was a clear reminder of what he brings to Carlton’s AFL side when fit. With 38 games under his belt, you already know what you’re going to get from the physical Cowan.

Ollie Hollands

It was written in the stars when Ollie Hollands was recruited to Carlton with a first-round selection in the 2022 AFL Draft, arriving at the same club which he supported as a kid due to his great-grandfather Martin Cross playing for the Blues in the early 1960s. With exceptional running power and a commitment to whatever role his coaches give him, Hollands surged to 65 games in his first three years of AFL football, playing every game in the 2025 campaign where he moved from a wing to half-back. What role he plays for the Blues in 2026 and beyond remains to be seen, but what’s for sure is Hollands will continue to give his all to the Navy Blue jumper.

Mitch McGovern

When Mitch McGovern swapped Adelaide for Carlton in 2018, his versatility was highly touted - that quickly proved to be true during his time in Navy Blue. In the last four years, McGovern has largely spent his time in the back half, but that hasn’t stopped him from moving forward to have an impact when the situation presents. Strong overhead and backing himself by foot, McGovern is a popular figure among the playing group - as are his three kids Margot, Hamish and Addison - and is nearing 100 games in Navy Blue in what will be his eighth season at IKON Park.

Ollie Florent

It was a deadline day trade which saw Ollie Florent become a Blue. The exciting and speedy half-back arrived at IKON Park with a wealth of experience, having played 184 games of AFL football for Sydney - including 130 consecutively from Round 20, 2019 to Round 12, 2025. With two Grand Final appearances to his name, Florent is exciting coming out of the back half while also possessing the versatility to feature in multiple roles. With best mate Will Hayward alongside him, Florent brought a new energy to the Blues from day one.

Billy Wilson

Heading into his third season at Carlton in 2026, Billy Wilson broke through in the second half of last season to play his first four games, including his first win against Port Adelaide in Round 23. A smooth-moving half-back that backs in his pace and skill by foot, Wilson was a steady improver for the Carlton Reserves over the first two years, ultimately earning his chance at AFL level on the back of strong VFL form. Wilson will have something of a fresh start in 2026, having moved from the No.35 jumper to the No.15 - the number vacated by former mentor, Sam Docherty.

Harry O'Farrell

What a dream it was when Harry O’Farrell was first drafted and then selected to play for Carlton, the team he has supported since day one. A highly talented key defender, O’Farrell took very little time to show the Blues why they were so keen to welcome the youngster with pick No.38 in the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft. Making his AFL debut in Round 11, 2025 against GWS, O’Farrell got his long-awaited first win in the Navy Blue against Melbourne eight weeks later. An unfortunate ACL injury sustained against Fremantle meant a stint on the sidelines for O’Farrell, but he’s clearly a player for the future at IKON Park.

Jacob Weitering

There was plenty of pressure put on the shoulders of Jacob Weitering when he was selected with pick No.1 in 2015 - but he’s well and truly taken that in his stride. A true leader of this Carlton team and the lynchpin of the Blues’ defensive setup, Weitering has now played over 200 games in Navy Blue, while the All-Australian blazer he received in 2024 was just reward after years of establishing himself as one of the competition’s best defenders. As has always been the case with Carlton’s No.23, what you see is what you get.

Nic Newman

Nic Newman had the best two seasons of his AFL career in 2023 and 2024, achieving consecutive runner-up finishes in the John Nicholls Medal behind Jacob Weitering and Patrick Cripps respectively. He was sorely missed in 2025, when the veteran went down with a ruptured patella and was ultimately ruled out for the entire season. A natural competitor who hates being beaten, Newman is effectively a new recruit for the Blues heading into 2026, and there’s no doubt the veteran who wears his heart on his sleeve will be out to make up for lost time.

Nick Haynes

Nick Haynes provided plenty of stability and consistency in his first season in Navy Blue. After over 200 games and 13 seasons in Sydney, the inaugural Giant played every game for the Blues in his first season at the Club, striking up a strong relationship with Jacob Weitering. Always willing to put his body on the line and play whatever role for the team, Haynes’ 2025 season was a reminder to the football world of what he can produce as a former All Australian. The veteran played as important a role on the field as he did off it, working with an emerging young defensive group at IKON Park.

Harry Charleson

Affectionately known as ‘Garry’ (or, simply, ‘Gazz’), Harry Charleson is a much-loved figure among the playing group at IKON Park. Earning the nickname given he is one of four Harrys at Carlton, Charleson became a rookie with the Blues at the end of 2024, and quickly established himself as a bundle of energy on the field but also around the locker room. A half-back who loves to take the game on, Charleson played every VFL game for the Blues in his opening season of 2025 as he looks to take his game to another level.

Matthew Carroll

What a year 2025 was for Matthew Carroll after the struggles of 2024. The AFL career of Carroll could’ve been over before it even started - but Carlton fans will be very grateful the young defender was able to turn it around. Injury struggles saw the rookie delisted after his first season, but invited back to train at the Blues, Carroll didn’t miss a beat, earning his spot back on the list before going onto play 17 games in 2025. That included a win on his debut and a Rising Star nomination in his final game. The boyhood Blue is living the dream, and has plenty of improvement still to come.

Lewis Young

Lewis Young emerged as somewhat of a ‘Mr. Fix It’ for the Blues in 2025, playing roles down back, in the ruck and up forward in what was his fourth season at IKON Park. Earning plaudits for the selfless nature of his multiple roles, he has once again settled down back this pre-season, but always remains an option in-game for coaches to move the magnets. Young crossed to Carlton at the end of 2021, having now played over 50 games in the Navy Blue after starting at the Western Bulldogs - where he actually debuted against the Blues in 2017.

Rob Monahan

Rob Monahan returned to the Blues for a third season in 2026 after an opening two campaigns which saw him continue to add strings to his bow. The Irishman arrived at IKON Park at the end of 2023, where - after an initial stint as a half-forward - he has settled into a defensive role. Possessing great running power, the Category B rookie had some strong performances for the Carlton Reserves to end the 2025 season, where he not only featured across half-back, but was also given tagging roles on occasion.

Harry Dean

Carlton welcomed father-son recruit Harry Dean with pick No.3 in the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft. The son of dual premiership player Peter, Dean cemented himself as the standout key defender in last year’s draft class, after emerging through the Carlton Academy where he embedded himself at IKON Park before eventually calling Royal Parade home. Dean has taken to AFL life quickly, working closely with All-Australian defender Jacob Weitering after a top-age draft year which saw him earn plaudits for his ability to both lock down his direct opponent while also intercepting at will.

Jordan Boyd

It was quite the turning point in 2021 for Jordan Boyd in the mid-season draft, when the Spotswood local went from Footscray VFL player to Carlton AFL player. After debuting in Round 3 of the following season in a one-point win, Boyd has played 38 games to date at AFL level. He’ll be looking to recapture the form he displayed throughout the 2024 campaign, where he played 19 games. When you watch Boyd play, it’s clear where his strengths lie, as one of the Blues’ best users of the football who can also lock down on his direct opponent.

Matt Duffy

It was a long time coming for Matt Duffy when he ran out in Navy Blue for the first time for the Carlton Reserves in 2025. Initially signing with the Blues alongside fellow Irishman Rob Monahan at the end of 2023, Duffy’s Australian move was put on hold for 12 months after sustaining an ACL injury when finishing off his Gaelic season at the end of that year. Officially on the list in 2025, Duffy ultimately debuted in a defensive post for the VFL Blues in May, going onto play 13 games for the Carlton Reserves that year.

Adam Saad

The 2022 All-Australian defender has been a much-loved figure at IKON Park ever since he crossed from the Bombers to the Blues at the end of 2021. Now a Navy Blue centurion, Saad is always willing to take the game on and turn defence into offence, unsurprisingly leading the Blues for running bounces for his fifth consecutive season at the Club. And then, of course, there’s the cry of ‘Woof’ which follows him wherever he goes - a fundamental part of a Carlton home match day which ensures his place in the Blues’ history books alongside Val Perovic and former neighbour, Ang Christou.