CARLTON has confirmed it will blood its third AFL debutant of the 2026 season this Sunday.

After being recruited with pick No.45 in the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft, Talor Byrne was informed on Thursday morning that he’ll pull on the Navy Blue jumper for the first time.

Making his debut at the MCG, Byrne will join Jagga Smith and Harry Dean in making their AFL debuts this season for the Blues.

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What a moment! Byrne finds out the news

Watch the moment Talor Byrne finds out he will be making his AFL debut against Melbourne.

In doing so, Byrne is the 12th player on Carlton’s 2026 AFL list who has made their AFL debut in the last 29 games, dating back to Round 23, 2024.

Coming from the GWV Rebels and Vic Country, Byrne turned heads in his first pre-season at IKON Park as a dynamic small forward with eye-catching speed and great skills on his left foot.

Byrne, who will become Carlton player No.1258, originally comes from Koroit - the same town as Carlton Hall of Fame member and 1987 premiership player, Adrian Gleeson.

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Practice Match v Brisbane | Byrne on fire as Talor kicks three

Watch Talor Byrne's first hit out as a Blue as he kicks three in a quarter.

A Vic Country teammate of Harry Dean in 2025, Byrne (who wears the Navy Blue No.39) will now get his chance on the big stage.

Carlton’s extended squad of 26 will be announced at 6:20pm tonight, before the team of 23 will be confirmed on Friday at 5pm.