EMERGING Carlton midfielder Cooper Lord has signed a three-year contract extension, keeping him at IKON Park until at least the end of 2029.  

Lord has further committed to the Blues after taking his game to the next level in 2025, in what has been a story of persistence for the 20-year-old.

Recruited through the 2024 mid-season draft, Lord featured in 21 games last year, earning his spot in the Blues’ engine room.

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Highlights | Cooper commits to Carlton

Watch the best of Cooper Lord after he signed a three-year contract extension to remain at IKON Park.

Lord was a key part of a youthful injection into the side throughout 2025, earning the Round 10 Telstra AFL Rising Star nomination where he had 19 disposals and 400 metres gained.   

Continuing to show off his impressive capabilities towards the end of the season, Lord impressed in the Round 22 hitout against the Gold Coast Suns, collecting 24 disposals and laying an impressive 12 tackles while performing a difficult tagging role on eventual All-Australian, Noah Anderson.   

The 20-year-old’s consistency and impact were recognised at season’s end when he was named Carlton’s Best Young Player, as well as receiving the Spirit of Carlton Award. 

Today’s announcement comes off the back of one of the hard-working midfielder’s best games, where he achieved a career-high 26 disposals against Sydney in Opening Round. 

Cooper Lord had a career-high 26 disposals in Opening Round against Sydney.

Lord joins fellow midfielder and co-vice captain Sam Walsh in committing their futures to remain at IKON Park. 

Head of List Management Nick Austin said Lord is a selfless and driven player and the type of person you want at your club.  

Cooper has shown so much potential, and at just 20 years of age, he still has plenty to offer in the coming years.

- Nick Austin

“Cooper's efforts and determination over the past few seasons cannot be questioned, carrying his momentum over from the 2025 season into this pre-season,” Austin said.  

“His ability to be tough on the inside but also provide speed and endurance on the outside brings a different dynamic to our midfield.  

“Throughout the year, Cooper truly embraced every role and position we asked of him: he’s the type of player who is consistently trying to improve his game and find new ways to go to the next level.  

“Cooper has shown so much potential, and at just 20 years of age, he still has plenty to offer in the coming years.”