THE CARLTON Football Club can confirm that it has today retained Matthew Kennedy on its rookie list for the 2021 season.

The AFL today announced that clubs are able to move two senior players to their rookie list effective immediately.

This means that the Club will be able to re-contract Kennedy onto the Blues’ rookie list without needing to wait until this year’s NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

In further news as a result of this ruling, Eddie Betts has also agreed to be placed onto the rookie list with Kennedy in order to ensure the Club will not need to make any further list changes to its current playing list.

The details of Betts contract remain unchanged and both he and Kennedy will continue to be available for senior selection during the 2021 AFL season.

The AFL will officially approve new rookie contracts on Monday 30 November.

Carlton Head of Football Brad Lloyd praised the selflessness of Betts for his decision, which has ensured the Club can continue to keep its current playing list together.

“We approached Eddie about the possibility of making this decision and as soon as Eddie knew how this opportunity would help the Club, he agreed straight away,” Lloyd said.

“Eddie’s selfless act is another example of how committed he is to our football club, his teammates and his willingness to do whatever he can to help this group in its pursuit of success.

“It is also a terrific result that we have been able to re-contract Matthew now, without having to endure the wait until the rookie draft. Matthew was keen to stay at the Club and we wanted to keep him, so to have that finalised now is a great outcome for all parties.

“We would like to acknowledge the AFL for delivering a rule this off-season that removes that unnecessary anxiety that can exist in the lead up to a draft for uncontracted players.”