CARLTON Academy coach Lloyd Perris provided a comprehensive update on the Blues’ potential future prospects.
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Cody Walker, father-son prospect (son of Andrew):
“It’s been a really positive month for Cody. The thinking being is to get him around the AFL group and VFL group as much as possible. You can learn a lot playing those [VFL] games compared to in the Talent League. Being around the bigger bodies and the system we’re trying to play at the footy club, he certainly looked comfortable at the level. It was really exciting for the fans, but also the players to play with him. He’ll be much better for it. He goes back now to play for Vic Country over the next little bit, hopefully he can take a lot of the learnings from playing in the VFL into those games and have a successful carnival.
“[Will he play more VFL football in 2026?] We’ll have to see how his year pans out first, but it’s something we’re looking forward to - I know Damian Truslove was keen to have him in, he’ll be looking to have him in the team later in the year.”
Sophia Green, father-daughter prospect (daughter of Peter, Carlton player No.998) and Alli Allen, AFLW NGA prospect:
“Sophia Green and Alli Allen are both Melbourne-based athletes, both defenders and midfielders who can play a variety of roles for the team. They’re both in the Vic Metro squad, they’re really strong leaders as well as being really driven and motivated athletes. We’ll certainly be wishing them all the best.”
Polly Turner, father-daughter prospect (daughter of Peter, Carlton player No.1011):
“Polly Turner is a father-daughter prospect from Adelaide, she’s already had some interactions with the Club and we’ve flown her over here and looking to have her over here at some stage later in the year. She’s a strong forward, a goalkicker, and we’re excited to see how she goes in the Champs as well.”
Father-son prospects, Lukas Koutoufides (son of Anthony, Carlton player No.985) and Will Thornton (son of Bret, Carlton player No.1057):
“Lukas Koutoufides is a really exciting prospect for us, a really competitive player - he’s a big-bodied key forward that can also win the ball at ground level and spend time in the midfield.
“We’re certainly excited: him and Will work really closely together, they’re always trying to get into the Club to do as much as they can and do some extra sessions with myself. It’s really exciting for us, that they’re not only exciting prospects, but they’re working really hard at their game and they’re really driven athletes.
“Will is a rebounding type defender, he’s got some real speed and he can intercept the ball - he’s an exciting prospect for us.”
Marlon Togolo-Hill, AFL NGA prospect:
“Marlon Togolo-Hill has just come into our Academy through our regional zone, he’s an exciting athlete with real speed. He’s a half-forward/wing type of player, we’re keen to see what he can do in the Under-16 Championships for Vic Country.”
Deena Gerges, AFLW NGA prospect:
“The under-16 females had their Champs earlier in the year, we’re really excited about Deena Gerges’ prospects. She’s a highly skilled player, kicks the ball incredibly well. She’s a really strong inside mid that can also go forward and kick goals. It’s an exciting time for that under-16s crop, that’s for sure.”
The Club’s impact in new regional zone:
“We’ve got a new regional zone, which is really exciting. We’re getting up there once a month for some sessions in Shepparton and Wangaratta as well. We’ve got 10 athletes who join us for a session in Wangaratta once a month, they’re from 13-16 years old. There’s a lot of talent in the region, it’s obviously a strong footy region up from Shepparton all the way to Wodonga.”
