CARLTON defender Jordan Boyd will remain in the Navy Blue until at least the end of 2026 after signing a two-year contract extension. 

From local football to climbing the ranks at Carlton, Boyd’s unique journey into the AFL has been nothing short of inspiring.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed a strong start to the 2024 season, playing every game as part of the Blues’ back six, while showing strengths on both sides of the ball as a lockdown defender and being elite with ball in hand.

With 24 AFL games now under his belt, Boyd has enhanced his role under the tutelage of teammates and fellow defenders Jacob Weitering, Zac Williams and Adam Saad.

His remarkable journey to the elite level started at Donald McLean Reserve in Spotswood, where Boyd started the 2021 season playing for his local side.

By June of that year Boyd was a Carlton player, arriving via the mid-season rookie draft, three years after he was initially eligible to be selected.

Boyd has now become a fan favourite, notably rocking the long sleeves and headband on game day and earning a reputation as a great teammate around IKON Park.

Head of List Management Nick Austin said Boyd has an insatiable appetite for hard work which has been a driving force behind his journey to date.

“Jordan's path into the AFL is one of perseverance and tenacity, he got an opportunity and refused to let it go, which says a lot,” Austin said.

“He continually worked hard to show those around him his full potential, even when there weren’t immediate opportunities available to him, that says a lot about his character.

“We have all been really impressed watching Jordan’s skills and confidence develop throughout his time at Carlton and we know his best football is still ahead of him given he still has plenty of growth ahead of him at AFL level.

 “Having Jordan around at the Club sees him bring a positive energy that is infectious to those around him and we are all excited to watch Jordan progress in the program over the next few years.”