BADR, Hamilton, Stevens, Warburton.
The Carlton Reserves have confirmed the re-commitment of four VFL Blues as preparations ramp up for the 2026 campaign.
The signatures of four Blues takes the team’s current list of confirmed signings for 2026 to 19, with a returning core complemented by new recruits with a mixture of elite level and state league experience.
The first re-signing is that of Ollie Badr, a versatile youngster who has played 10 games across his first two seasons in Navy Blue.
Capable of playing multiple roles, Badr kicked multiple goals in three of his first four VFL games in 2025.
He’s a familiar face at IKON Park, with the former Oakleigh Charger a close childhood friend of AFL-listed pair Cooper Lord and Jagga Smith.
Badr is joined by Cooper Hamilton, with the former GWS Giant breaking through for a late-season VFL debut for the Reserves in 2025.
The popular Hamilton arrived at the Blues from the Giants 12 months ago, with the 22-year-old taking to Instagram earlier this week detailing his excitement for the 2026 campaign, after his first full pre-season in three years.
Archie Stevens returns for another season with the VFL Blues, which will mark his fifth consecutive for the Carlton Reserves.
Debuting back in Round 6, 2022, Stevens has played a number of roles across his 37 VFL games, earning a reputation as a great teammate and clubman. He featured 10 times for the Blues in 2025, including a 26-disposal, one-goal performance against North Melbourne in Round 13.
Rounding out the re-signings is Oliver Warburton, who enjoyed a memorable Carlton debut in Round 14 last year with a win over Port Melbourne.
Playing five of the last six games of the season, Warburton comes from a long line of Blues, with his great-grandfather Keith and grandfather Peter representing the Blues at senior level, while dad Brett playing nine games for the Blues’ reserves side in 1996.
Warburton’s first two Carlton games were wins, while he kicked two goals against Casey late in the campaign.
VFL Senior Coach Damian Truslove said it was a promising result to have the four Blues recommit.
“We’re really happy that Ollie, Cooper, Archie and Ollie have re-signed, continuing a really strong pre-season period for us,” Truslove said.
“All four of them bring their own strengths on the field, particularly with their ability to play multiple roles, and they’ve also been important in establishing the environment we want our program to be known for.
“With practice matches approaching, it’s a really exciting time at IKON Park. I know the boys are really keen to get to work and prepare in the best possible way for the upcoming season.”
Carlton Reserves’ confirmed signings for 2026 (bold denotes new signing)
Ollie Badr, Alwyn Davey Junior, Wade Derksen, Cooper Hamilton, Dane Harvey, Darcy Hogg, Jaiden Magor, Jack O’Sullivan, Sam Paea, Ethan Phillips, Logan Prout, Will Reinhold, Jed Rule, Flynn Riley, Jack Sammartino, Archie Stevens, Darcy Tucker, Cooper Vickery, Oliver Warburton.
