CARLTON is thrilled to welcome Joel Amartey to the football club for 2027 and beyond. 

The key forward arrives at IKON Park on the opening day of the free agency window, as an unrestricted free agent. 

A goalkicker with presence up forward, Amartey will add a new focal point to a dynamic Blues forward line. 

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Highlights | Take a look at new Blue Joel Amartey

Watch the best moments from our new forward Joel Amartey.

The 27-year-old enjoyed a strong start to the 2026 season, kicking three or more goals in five of his first 11 games, all against eventual finalists, including five goals in Round 1 against eventual premiers Brisbane. 

Amartey has kicked four or more goals in a game on nine occasions, including a career-high nine against Adelaide in 2024 - the same season he booted a career-best 43 goals. 

For a player of Joel's calibre to want to be part of what we're doing here is a strong endorsement of the direction this football club is heading.

- GM of Football, Chris Davies

Adding valuable experience to the group, the 27-year-old has played in four finals, including kicking the winning goal in the 2024 qualifying final while also featuring in a Grand Final. 

Amartey will arrive with plenty of familiar faces, joining former Sydney teammates Will Hayward, Ollie Florent, George Hewett and Nic Newman. He lived with Hayward during their time at the Swans and went to high school with Florent, playing for the same junior club, Beaumaris Sharks.  

New Carlton forward Amartey said he was excited to land at IKON Park.  
 
“From the passionate fanbase to seeing the momentum Carlton got from the middle of this year, combined with knowing the quality people they have at the Club, it made it an easy decision in the end," Amartey said. 
 
“Off the field I like to bring my energy around the Club, I really want to bring that and earn the respect of not only the players and staff at Carlton but also every Blues fan. 
 
“I have felt so welcomed already, I can already see how great the environment is here and can't wait for pre-season to roll around and get to work.” 

General Manager of Football Chris Davies said Amartey would bring a new dimension to Carlton's forward line. 

“We are so pleased to have Joel join the Club, bringing an experienced and dynamic presence to our forward line next season,” Davies said. 

“We believe Joel can play a valuable role up forward for us. His presence in the forward line speaks for itself, and he will give us another avenue to goal alongside Harry McKay, which we are excited to see develop as next season goes.  

“To have him choose Carlton speaks to the environment we are building at the Club. For a player of Joel's calibre to want to be part of what we're doing here is a strong endorsement of the direction this football club is heading.  

"Over the last 12 months, we've made it a real focus to bring in players of great character who can add just as much to the group off the field as they do on it. Joel fits that mould perfectly for us, and we're confident he'll be a fantastic addition both in our playing group and to our wider club environment. 

“We can’t wait for the fans to get to know Joel as we welcome him to IKON Park.”