CARLTON Football Club has invited Matthew Cottrell and Michael Gibbons to join the Club’s pre-season training program.

The pair have been given an opportunity to train at Ikon Park as part of the pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP).

Cottrell and Gibbons will be able to train at the Club until February 28, after which the Club will have the option of adding either or both players to their list full-time before the SSP ends on March 15.

Cottrell, a wingman who possesses elite endurance, was a State middle distance runner through juniors before spending the last two years in the TAC Cup with the Dandenong Stingrays.

Matthew Cottrell enjoyed a consistent season for the Dandenong Stingrays in the TAC Cup. (Photo: AFL Media)

Gibbons is arguably the most-decorated player in the VFL currently, with two J. J. Liston Trophies (2016 & 2018) to his name. The 23-year-old, who has the ability to play both midfield and forward, is a natural ball-winner with great athletic ability and a supreme hunger for the contest.

Carlton List Manager Michael Agresta said the Club was looking forward to giving both players an opportunity to potentially join the AFL system.

“It’s terrific to have both Matthew and Michael join our pre-season program, they have great potential and are both extremely excited about this opportunity.

“We rated both players highly before the draft, so it is great we have another opportunity to get a look at them. They have the potential to further boost our midfield depth which we have really strengthened during the trade and draft period.”

Williamstown's Michael Gibbons has won two J. J. Liston Trophies in the VFL.

While external commentary suggested the Blues may look to use the SSP to find a replacement for injured co-captain Sam Docherty, Agresta was clear that the current playing list already presented a wealth of options across halfback.

“You look at our list at is stands in that area of the ground with the experience of Kade Simpson and Dale Thomas, coupled with the dash of Tom Williamson Lochie O’Brien and the addition of Nic Newman.

“Lachie Plowman and Caleb Marchbank will also be back after their injuries last season so we are confident there is already healthy competition to fill that half-back position.

“Building strong depth across every position is important, that will be our focus as we finalise our playing list heading into the 2019 season.”