BIG Flynn belongs in Navy Blue.
With pick No.4 in the 2026 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft, Carlton has selected Flynn Riley from the Carlton Reserves.
Standing at 206 centimetres and on the back of some key development with the VFL Blues in recent years, Riley will get his chance on an AFL list after numerous years of commitment to his craft.
The ruckman has played 11 games for the Carlton Reserves since the beginning of last year, earning respect at IKON Park for not only his performances on the field, but also his dedication off it.
Winning the Coaches’ Award for the VFL Blues in 2025, Riley is a ruckman who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty, making an impact with not only his ruck work but also getting involved at ground level.
Working closely with Carlton AFL ruck coach Matthew Kreuzer as well as Marc Pittonet for a number of years, Riley arrived at the Carlton Reserves on the eve of the 2024 campaign.
He debuted in Round 1 of 2025 and has shown impressive signs since then, not least a 23-disposal, 40-hitout performance against Tasmania in Round 5 this season.
Originally from Montmorency and the Northern Knights, Riley now gets his opportunity on an AFL list at a club which has been keenly invested in his development throughout his football journey.
Carlton GM of Football Chris Davies said the acquisition of Riley was an exciting moment for the Club for a number of reasons.
“To be able to reward Flynn with a spot on our list is reward for effort for someone who’s not only an exciting young prospect, but also a great person,” Davies said.
“Flynn has made himself known to a lot of people across our football club as a member of our VFL team, and has been so committed to making himself better every single day.
“His VFL form this year has been really strong and seeing the way the game has gone with the new ruck rules, we think that certainly plays into Flynn’s strengths. What we love about Flynn is at the heart of everything he does, he’s a competitor.
“It’s really exciting for Flynn and his family that he gets this chance, as well as our VFL program, where Flynn has left a real impression. We look forward to welcoming him into our AFL program.”
