IN HIS third season at Carlton, Dane Harvey is continuing to go from strength to strength, with a move from the forward line to defence proving to be a positive outcome for both player and club.

The VFL-listed Blue has been a consistent presence for the Carlton Reserves in 2026, playing an important shutdown role in the Blues’ backline while still developing his defensive craft.

Harvey’s growth has continued to accelerate, with the Carlton Reserves tracking strongly on the back of four consecutive wins.

Harvey’s 2026 campaign has become a story of growth for Carlton’s VFL program. After beginning the season as a forward, Harvey was swung behind the ball midway through the opening rounds — a move that has paid dividends.

The 22-year-old has continued to develop since the switch, using his aerial ability and athleticism to become an important piece of Carlton’s defensive setup.

Blues VFL coach Damian Truslove said Harvey’s transition had showcased a number of exciting traits in his game.

“Dane started forward at the start of the year, then we tried him for about half a game down back and showed a lot of traits that we like,” Truslove told Carlton Media.

“The ability to win and halve aerial contests to go his speed to get involved with our ball movement, he's growing in confidence. He's now taking intercept marks, and he's going for aggressive kicks, which we really like.

“He's got a great attitude to get better.”

Harvey’s development has also been accelerated by the support of experienced AFL defender Lewis Young, who has featured at VFL level across recent weeks.

Truslove said Young’s leadership and organisation behind the ball had been invaluable for the emerging defender.

“‘Youngy’, he's such a good leader on the ground,” he said.

“He understands how the ground should look behind the ball, and he sets up our defenders really well. He's definitely helped Dane out, and Dane's certainly growing in confidence having someone like Lewis close to him on the ground.”

Harvey again played an important role in Carlton’s impressive Round 7 victory over the Casey Demons, with the Blues delivering one of their most complete performances of the season.

The defender said the mood around the group had shifted significantly, comparing the weekend’s win to last season’s result against Casey, where Harvey played in a 108-point defeat.

“It was a good feeling out there on Saturday: the boys played really well, and it’s always good to get on the winner’s list with a few in a row now,” Harvey said.

“They did the same thing to us last year, so it’s good to get a bit of revenge on them.

“It felt really good. Obviously, last year was a pretty flat feeling, and it’s much different in the change rooms now: everyone's pretty up and about.”

Harvey said the move down back had been an enjoyable challenge after spending most of last season and pre-season playing as a forward.

Now settling into the role, Harvey believes his confidence continues to grow each week with the backing of the coaching group.

“I played forward last year, did most of preseason up forward, and then with the needs went down back,” he said.

“[Carlton development coach] Ash Close has been really good, teaching me my craft down back. I've really enjoyed it, the boys have gotten around me - I just love to compete down there and get around them.

“I definitely feel like I'm still developing. The coaches have put their faith in me, and I’m starting to put together some good footy now - I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Harvey said the belief shown by coaches Truslove and Close had been a major factor behind his strong form.

“I get a whole lot of confidence from ‘Damo’ and ‘Moose’ and all of them backing me to play my role week in week out. It's been a great start, and looking forward to the rest of the year.”

With four straight wins now on the board, Harvey said there was genuine excitement building within the playing group.

“We're playing some good footy at the moment, so it's exciting times. Hopefully we can get a few more on the board.”