THE Carlton Football Club is today delighted to announce that co-captain Sam Docherty and experienced midfielder Ed Curnow have put pen to paper on new deals. 

Docherty has signed a one-year contract extension beyond next year that will see him in the Navy Blue until at least the end of 2021, while Curnow has signed a new one-year deal for next season.

After arriving at Ikon Park at the end of the 2013 season, Docherty developed into a damaging half back with elite foot skills whose leadership and incredible work ethic has set the standard for his teammates both on and off the field. 

Get all the latest news straight to your Facebook inbox. Click here to subscribe to the official Carlton Football Club messenger. 

The rebounding defender has played 79 games for Carlton, winning the John Nicholls Medal in 2016, gaining All-Australian selection in 2017 and being named co-captain alongside Patrick Cripps at the end of last season.  

Docherty, 25, revealed his motivation to re-sign with still a year to run on his current contract. 

“I love this football club and am driven every day to make sure we achieve success together as a playing group,” Docherty said.

“We are all in this together - players, coaches, members and supporters. There is huge belief in what we are building and I am excited to continue to lead our football club alongside ‘Crippa’.

“I cannot wait to pull on the Navy Blue guernsey again, to get back out on the field with my teammates and play good footy for our great club.”

Curnow has endeared himself as a favourite amongst the Carlton faithful since joining the Club in 2011, with his attack on the ball and hard running seeing him become an asset to the Blues’ midfield. 

The 29-year old has been in the Club’s leadership group since 2016, playing 155 games for the Blues and finishing equal-third alongside brother Charlie in the John Nicholls Medal last year. 

Curnow has shown his versatility in 2019 by taking on a new role across half forward, bringing his tenacity and tackling pressure to the forward line.   

The beloved Blue said he couldn’t wait to continue his career at Ikon Park. 

“Carlton has been great to me and my family, I’m rapt to sign on for another season,” Curnow said.

“This group has a heap of talent and I feel we aren’t far away from seeing it click. I am looking forward to more time at the Club and pushing myself and the group to get the best out of ourselves.”

Carlton General Manager of List Management and Strategy Stephen Silvagni said the Club was thrilled to re-sign two of its leaders.  

“We are delighted to not only have two quality players but quality people recommit to the Club,” Silvagni said.

“Sam has been tremendous this year as co-captain with his leadership. His work-rate is second to none and his determination to see the entire club succeed makes him exactly the kind of person we want leading Carlton.  

“Ed has earned everything that has come his way throughout his career: he sets the example day in and day out. His attitude is all about the team, he puts his teammates before himself and gives his heart and soul for the Carlton Football Club.

“Doc and Ed are both invaluable members of our playing group and their leadership will be integral in taking our football club to where it needs to be.”