Carlton Football Club is delighted to announce the re-signing of five players.
Announced by President Mark LoGiudice at Friday night’s John Nicholls Medal count, the Blues have secured the signatures of veterans Kade Simpson and Dale Thomas, as well as forward Jed Lamb, while 2017 All Australian Sam Docherty and youngster Jack Silvagni have extended their contracts.
Vice-captain Simpson will run out in the navy blue for a 16th season after signing a new one-year deal. The 33-year-old has played 286 games for the Club since making his debut in Round 11, 2003.
Docherty, 23, has extended his contract by a further two years, tying him to the Club until at least the end of 2020. He backed up his impressive 2016 form with another magnificent season in 2017, finishing first in the competition for total kicks and marks and second for metres gained and rebound 50s. He was rewarded with his first Virgin Australia AFL All-Australian blazer.
Thomas' time at Ikon Park will extend to a fifth season, with the veteran signing a new one-year deal. The 30-year-old played 18 games in 2017, taking his tally of games for the Blues to 61 since crossing from Collingwood at the end of 2013.
Impressive teenager Silvagni has extended his contract by another year, meaning he will be a Blue until at least the end of 2019. Since making his debut in Round 15 2016, Silvagni has played 28 games and kicked 26 goals. He was nominated for the NAB AFL Rising Star award after booting two goals in Carlton’s Round 13 win against the Gold Coast Suns.
Jed Lamb will look to build on his 26-game career with the Blues after signing a new one-year deal. A knee injury delayed Lamb’s start to the season, but the creative forward rebounded impressively, ranking 15th in the competition for goal assists per game in season 2017.
Head of Football Andrew McKay said the Club was delighted to have secured the services of all five players.
“Each of these players has an important role to play in the future of the Carlton Football Club,” McKay said.
“Kade and Sam continue to set the standard around the Club as members of our leadership group.
“The versatility of both Jed and Dale add a different dimension to our side, and Jack continues to make important steps in his development each time he runs out in the navy blue.
“Dale Thomas is to be commended for the manner in which he handled the speculation about his playing future and the unselfish act in removing the trigger clause in his previous contract. He has certainly earned this new deal and we’re pleased that he will be at the Club for at least another year to impart his vast football knowledge on our youngsters.
“The signing of these players demonstrates our commitment to them and their commitment and belief in the vision for the future of Carlton.”
The Club has re-signed 10 players since the completion of the 2017 home-and-away season, with David Cuningham, Alex Silvagni, Levi Casboult, Matthew Kreuzer and Sam Rowe all putting pen to paper on new deals.
