2026 Reserves

Reserves Season 2026
Coach: Damian Truslove
Co-Captains: Rotational basis.
Best & Fairest:
Position:
Premier:

Note: The Carlton Reserves will also implement a rotating captain, with an AFL‑listed player stepping into the role each week, supported by the VFL leadership group of Darcy Tucker, Ethan Phillips, Jack Sammartino, Logan Prout, Will Cookson and Cooper Vickery.

Carlton's 2026 Reserves Team Squad.

50. Darcy Tucker
With over 150 games of AFL experience, Darcy Tucker signed for the VFL Blues after a decade in the AFL with Fremantle and later North Melbourne. Making his AFL debut back in 2016 (incidentally, against Carlton), Tucker forged a reputation as a hard-running player capable of playing a number of roles for the team.

51. Jaiden Magor
Jaiden Magor spent two seasons on the Sydney Swans’ list where he played 36 VFL games across two seasons. Spending his 2025 season with South Adelaide in the SANFL, Magor - who was coached by Damian Truslove at Sydney - gives the Blues options in all areas of the ground

53. Ollie Badr
Badr is a versatile youngster who has played 10 games across his first two seasons in Navy Blue, kicking multiple goals in three of his first four VFL games in 2025. He’s a familiar face at IKON Park, with the former Oakleigh Charger a close childhood friend of AFL-listed pair Cooper Lord and Jagga Smith.

54. Jack O’Sullivan
Jack O’Sullivan went from Uni Blues to the Navy Blues as a new signing for the 2026 campaign. Featuring for the Carlton Reserves in pre-season, O’Sullivan - the brother of North Melbourne’s Finn and second cousin of Carlton gun Sam Walsh - brings extra physicality to the Blues’ VFL line-up.

55. Ethan Phillips
Ethan Phillips will remain in the Navy Blue in 2026, re-signing with the VFL Blues after a season where the experienced key defender truly excelled. Phillips - who was crowned the Carlton Reserves’ VFL Best and Fairest - played every game in 2025, ranking No.1 in the VFL for intercepts and marks in 2025.

56. Flynn Riley
Flynn Riley was hard to miss in 2025, with the big ruckman showcasing big improvement after making his debut in Round 1 of the VFL season. Playing seven of the last eight games of the year, Riley - who win the team’s Coaches Award in 2025 - turned heads as a ruckman with a competitive streak at ground level.

57. Alwyn Davey
Alwyn Davey Junior has elite level experience for Essendon, following in the footsteps of his dad - and namesake - Alwyn by playing 20 games in the red and black in the AFL, kicking nine goals. Capable of playing at both ends of the ground, Davey kicked 13 goals from 12 VFL games to start the 2025 season, and he’s likely to feature as a forward for the VFL Blues.

58. Jack Sammartino
Jack Sammartino crossed to the Carlton Reserves from Box Hill, where he played six games in 2025 - including his debut game was against the Blues in Round 1. He featured for Banyule at local level last season, being coached by Damian Truslove, who he now links up with at the Blues.

59. Cooper Vickery
A player who performed a pivotal role for the Carlton Reserves in 2025 was Cooper Vickery, who has put pen to paper for another season. Vickery played in every game for the Blues last year and impressed with his run and precision foot skills. He’ll reunite with new VFL Senior Coach Damian Truslove in 2026, who coached Vickery for Sydney’s VFL side.

60. Will Reinhold
Will Reinhold returns to the VFL competition in 2026, with the new Blue arriving from Temora after a previous stint at Port Melbourne. With two Farrer Football League best and fairest medals under his belt, the strong midfielder played 11 games for the Borough in 2022.

61. Dane Harvey
One of the first players re-signed for 2026, Dane Harvey had a career-best season last year. Formerly of Fitzroy in the VAFA, Harvey played 10 games in 2025, impressing with his ability to play at both ends. Playing the opening games of the season as a key defender, Harvey returned to the forward line to finish the year.

62. Ollie Warburton
Ollie Warburton enjoyed a memorable Carlton debut in Round 14, 2025 with a win over Port Melbourne. Warburton comes from a long line of Blues, with his great-grandfather Keith and grandfather Peter representing the Blues at senior level, while dad Brett played nine games for the Blues’ reserves side in 1996.

63. Ryder Corrigan
Considered one of the unluckier prospects to not get drafted, Ryder Corrigan joins the Blues from Lavington where he played with Harry Dean. Averaging over 20 disposals for the Murray Bushrangers, Corrigan - who was an All Australian at under 16 level - is a powerful midfielder also capable of playing half-back and half-forward.

64. Archie Stevens
Archie Stevens returns for another season with the VFL Blues, which will mark his fifth consecutive for the Carlton Reserves. Debuting in 2022, Stevens has played a number of roles across his 37 VFL games, earning a reputation as a great teammate and clubman. He featured 10 times for the Blues in 2025.

65. Jed Rule
Joining the Carlton Reserves in 2026 is another former VFL Hawk in Jed Rule, who featured for Box Hill in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Kicking four goals on debut back in Round 1, 2023, Rule produced 11 goals in eight games in the state league competition, and featured on the wing in pre-season for the VFL Blues.

66. Sam Paea
The VFL premiership player returns to IKON Park after impressing in the final month for the Blues. Featuring in Werribee’s 2023 Grand Final and 2024 flag as a forward, Paea returned to local football for Aberfeldie in 2025, before being trialled by Carlton as a key defender in the season’s final weeks.

67. Tom Evans
Another Echuca product featuring for the Blues in 2026, Tom Evans has starred for the Bendigo Pioneers for a number of years at local level. Averaging just shy of 30 disposals a game in the Coates Talent League last year, Evans is one of a number youthful recruits for the Carlton Reserves in 2026.

68. Taj Logan
Taj Logan returns to IKON Park for his second season in the Navy Blue, after the former Northern Knight also made his VFL debut in 2025. Combining his time at Carlton with Diamond Creek in the Northern Football League, Logan was crowned the Division 2 League Best and Fairest last year.

69. Cooper Hamilton
The former GWS Giant (and social media mogul) broke through for a late-season VFL debut for the Reserves in 2025. The popular Hamilton arrived at the Blues from the Giants 12 months ago, with the 22-year-old - who plays his football on the wing - enjoying his first full pre-season in three years ahead of the 2026 campaign.

70. Darcy Hogg
The runner-up in the Club’s 2025 Best and Fairest award went from strength to strength last year, in a year where he was also named the Blues’ Best Young Player. It was well and truly a breakout for Hogg, who played six games in the two campaigns prior to featuring in every match for the VFL Blues in 2025 as a high half-forward.

71. Cohen Paul
Persistence paid off for Cohen Paul, who was signed to Carlton’s VFL list for 2026 after a season as a train-on player. Playing his football for Euroa in 2025, the key position prospect previously featured for the Murray Bushrangers and plays his best football as a tall defender.

72. Charlie Cotter
A new recruit at IKON Park after a stint at Uni Blues, Charlie Cotter came through the ranks at Claremont in the WAFL Colts. Featuring in a premiership for the side in 2024, Cotter is a speedy small forward that provides plenty of energy in the front half and is capable of hitting the scoreboard.

74. Logan Prout
A virtual new recruit for the Blues, Logan Prout established himself as an important member of the Blues’ defensive setup after being signed from Echuca prior to the 2023 campaign. The defender was named in the Blues’ Round 1 team in 2025 before sustaining an unfortunate ACL injury, but will return to Carlton’s VFL side for 2026.

75. Liam Farrar
A young player from the Northern Knights, Liam Farrar is very familiar with IKON Park as a former student at the Carlton College of Sport. Having the capacity to play as a third tall forward or back, Farrar featured for the Blues in pre-season and backs himself in the air with his contested marking.

76. Harrison Wilson
Another former Lavington product, Harrison Wilson played for the Allies in 2025 as well as the Murray Bushrangers. A medium defender that stands at 190 centimetres, Wilson is strong overhead and quick at ground level, often backing in his skillset to hit targets coming out of the back half.

77. Will Cookson
Will Cookson made an immediate impression upon arriving at IKON Park. An in-and-under midfielder from Hurstbridge, Cookson featured regularly for the VFL Blues in pre-season. Linking up with Mulwala as his local club in 2026, Cookson has made the last two Northern Football League Team of the Years.

78. Tyson Gresham
Tyson Gresham is well-known at IKON Park, with the former Northern Knight a member of the Carlton Academy. Coming through the ranks with Harry Dean and Jack Ison, Gresham is a small forward with leadership capabilities, co-captaining the Knights in 2025 to go with Vic Metro commitments. He is the brother of Essendon forward, Jade.

Practice Match 1, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	2.5.17	5.9.39	6.10.46	7.14 (56)
COBURG	2.1.13	2.3.15	5.5.35	7.8 (50)

Venue:	IKON Park, Carlton
Date:	Thursday February 19th 2026 (6.30 PM)
Result:	Won by 6 points
Goalkickers:	Alwyn Davey Junior, Tyson Gresham, Dane Harvey, Darcy Hogg, Jack Ison, Sam Paea, Darcy Tucker 1.
Best:	Not Available
Reports:	Nil
Injuries:	Nil

Truslove wraps up narrow win.

The inside word on the Carlton Reserves' opening practice match of 2026. - By Cristian Filippo, Carlton Media.

The Carlton Reserves kicked off their preparations for the 2026 season with a one-goal win over Coburg at IKON Park. In a game which saw plenty of rotations and limited game time for a few, the Blues led at every change and held on late in the 7.14 (56) to 7.8 (50) win. There was plenty of good news for Carlton supporters, with Nic Newman playing the first half and emerging unscathed in what was his first game of any kind for 529 days. The veteran defender was also joined by Francis Evans, who played a combination of midfield and forward and sported his protective eyewear after an incident in training last month. There were individual goalkickers across the board for the Blues, including a classy left-footed snap from draftee Jack Ison in the second term, while former AFL-listed recruits Darcy Tucker and Alwyn Davey Junior also hit the scoreboard early in the game. See VFL Senior Coach Damian Truslove’s thoughts on the game below.

On how the first hitout panned out: “It was the first time our VFL-listed boys have played in a game, having only had training, as well as gelling with the seven AFL-listed boys. The first three quarters saw us pretty dominant in field position, our contest work was really strong and some of our ball movement - which we’ve been working on over the summer - was impressive. “The last quarter, we took a few players off and the boys got a bit fatigued with limited rotations: to Coburg’s credit, they fought back, but we managed to hang on by a goal in the dying minutes.”

On Nic Newman playing the first half: “He went really well. The plan was for him to get through and get back playing football again. He was instrumental in setting the backline up, his leadership was outstanding and he used the ball really well by foot as he always has done. “It was good to see him moving well. When I went to him at half time, he had a massive smile on his face: he got through and felt good, he’ll keep building his minutes from here.”

On Francis Evans’ performance: “Frankie played well, he played a bit of a different role. He played two quarters in the midfield, plus one quarter in his typical place up forward. He moved really well and his intensity and patterns around the ground were excellent. “He’ll be knocking on the door: he got into some good contested situations which he needed to tick, which he did really well.”

On draftee Jack Ison’s showing: “Jack played multiple roles, he was close to goal and also higher up the ground. He’s learning his craft, he’s getting better all the time: he’s very diligent with his education and his craft work. “He’ll continue to improve, he’s very powerful and exciting around goals, which we saw with a nice finish in the second quarter.”

On the remaining AFL-listed talent: “Lucas Camporeale played a bit of a different role, spending half his time on the wing and half his time as an inside mid, which is a new role for him. He found plenty of the ball. “Rob Monahan and Harry Charleson gave us drive off half-back and Matt Duffy had to play on a bigger opponent and was outsized, but he competed really hard and halved a lot of aerial contests.”

On the VFL-listed players who impressed: “We had about 10 new players to the club who ran out there, which was great. Some were really impressive: Tom Evans from Bendigo was solid, Darcy Tucker only played the first half but was probably best on ground in the first half, Jack Sammartino who we picked up from Box Hill was solid down back and Tom Stapleton - from Seymour Footy Club - played in the ruck and was really impressive. “A few of those guys will be putting their hand up for Round 1, there’s probably 20 of them fighting for 8-10 spots which is a great position for us.”

On preparations ramping up for the VFL season proper: “We’ll probably have a few more AFL-listed boys in our VFL team on Wednesday against Geelong. What we’re looking for is those guys to play at AFL standard and put pressure on the AFL boys for their spots. We’ll rotate our VFL boys through our next two practice games, they’re all fighting for spots so they’ll be keen to impress.”

Practice Match 2, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	2.0.12	6.1.37	10.1.61	13.4 (82)
GEELONG	5.0.30	8.3.51	10.3.63	13.3 (81)

Venue:	IKON Park, Carlton
Date:	Wednesday February 25th 2026 (4.30 PM)
Result:	Won by 1 point
Goalkickers:	Flynn Young 4, Hudson O'Keeffe 2, Sam Paea 2, Lucas Camporeale, Alwyn Davey Junior, Matt Duffy, Tom Howard, Darcy Tucker 1.
Best:	Not Available
Reports:	Nic Newman was suspended for two weeks for striking Geelong's Ben Pennisi.
Injuries:	Nil

Carlton Reserves squad v Geelong 16. Ben Camporeale, 21. Lucas Camporeale, 24. Nic Newman, 28. Harry Charleson, 30. Jack Ison, 34. Rob Monahan, 40. Hudson O’Keeffe, 41. Matthew Duffy, 45. Flynn Young, 50. Darcy Tucker, 53. Jack Polkinghorne, 54. Jack O’Sullivan, 55. Ethan Phillips, 57. Alwyn Davey, 58. Jack Sammartino, 59. Cooper Vickery, 61. Dane Harvey, 62. Oliver Warburton, 63. Ryder Corrigan, 66. Sam Paea, 69. Cooper Hamilton, 70. Darcy Hogg, 72. Tom Evans, 73. Tom Stapleton, 77. Will Cookson, 80. Tom Howard

Four-goal Flynn, late scoreboard drama sees Blues prevail

The Carlton Reserves recorded a last-gasp one-point win in a VFL practice match… without even realising it. - By Cristian Filippo, Carlton Media

The Carlton Reserves have recorded a last-gasp one-point win in a VFL practice match… without even realising it. A late rushed behind from Flynn Young saw the Blues hit the lead with 30 seconds to go, despite the IKON Park scoreboard suggesting that it only levelled the scores. However, the two goal umpires came together in the middle of the ground to confirm that the Blues had in fact won by a point, overturning a 38-point deficit in the second term. Young was the catalyst for the comeback with four goals, while draftee Jack Ison showcased his flair and veteran defender Nic Newman got through his second match back unscathed. It marked the Blues’ second consecutive narrow win from their practice matches, after a one-goal win against Coburg seven days ago. Carlton had to overcome a slow start, with Geelong kicking a goal from the opening centre clearance and recording three unanswered goals before the Blues even looked like troubling the scorers. The best moment of the opening quarter and a half from a Carlton perspective came from the boot of Irishman Matt Duffy, who received a 50-metre penalty and kicked truly for a goal. But it was otherwise a rough beginning to the game for the Blues, trailing by 38 points halfway through the second term with errors coming out of the back half proving costly. It was an exciting patch of form in the final 10 minutes of the second game which swung the momentum, with draftee Jack Ison having some key moments - including a spectacular mark sitting on the shoulders of his Geelong opponent.

A pair of former Werribee premiership teammates in Sam Paea and Flynn Young had two goals apiece in the first half, while Rob Monahan was finding plenty of the ball in the opening stages. The Blues had got themselves back within 14 points at the main break, before a pair of goals to Hudson O'Keeffe after some strong contested marking narrowed the gap even further. When Lucas Camporeale kicked a running goal from 50, Carlton hit the front, but the Cats responded with four consecutive majors of their own to reopen a 20-point gap. Nic Newman got through his allotted game time as he run laps of the boundary in the final term, and Ben Camporeale (cork) came from the ground with 10 minutes to play. It was quite the cameo from Flynn Young, who kicked two goals of his own with expert finishes before turning the provider for Alwyn Davey. It had actually levelled the scores, but with the scoreboard suggesting otherwise that the Cats were still up by a point, neither team was to know. Flynn Young rushed through a late behind to ‘level’ the scores after a goalmouth scramble, and it was only after the siren sounded at IKON Park that the Blues realised they had triumphed by the narrowest of margins as preparations continue for the season proper.

Practice Match 3, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	2.8.20	2.9.21	3.16.34	6.22 (58)
FOOTSCRAY	4.1.25	8.4.52	10.6.66	12.7 (79)

Venue:	IKON Park, Carlton.
Date:	Thursday March 7th 2026 (5.00 PM).
Result:	Lost by 21 points.
Goalkickers:	Flynn Young, Dane Harvey, Jaiden Magor, Jack Ison, Matt Carroll, Tyson Gresham 1.
Best:	Not Available.
Reports:	Nil
Injuries:	Nil

Carlton Reserves squad v Footscray

2. Lachie Cowan, 13. Blake Acres, 16. Ben Camporeale, 21. Lucas Camporeale, 28. Harry Charleson, 30. Jack Ison, 32. Matthew Carroll, 34. Rob Monahan, 37. Jordan Boyd, 39. Talor Byrne, 40. Hudson O’Keeffe, 41. Matthew Duffy, 45. Flynn Young, 47. Wade Derksen, 51. Jaiden Magor, 55. Ethan Phillips, 58. Jack Sammartino, 59. Cooper Vickery, 61. Dane Harvey, 66. Sam Paea, 70. Darcy Hogg, 72. Charlie Cotter, 73. Tom Stapleton, 74. Logan Prout, 75. Liam Farrar, 77. Will Cookson, 78. Tyson Gresham

Blues return in Footscray practice match

A recap of all the action from Carlton's practice match against Footscray. - By Bailey Walsh.

The Carlton Reserves have gone down by 21 points to Footscray in a VFL practice match at IKON Park. Despite controlling large portions of territory throughout the afternoon, inaccuracy in front of goal ultimately proved costly for the Blues, finishing with 6.22 (58) after struggling to capitalise on their forward-half dominance. Several players returning from injury made their first appearances of the year, with Blake Acres, Lachie Cowan and Matt Carroll all getting valuable minutes under their belt. Footscray struck first, kicking the opening two goals of the contest before Carlton settled through the work of its midfield. A sharp intercept from Ben Camporeale in the centre created the Blues’ first goal, finding Flynn Young who snapped truly on the run.

Carlton continued to control large stretches of the first term, with Will Cookson busy around the contest and Cowan making an early statement with an intercept mark across half-back. Opportunities continued to present themselves. Matt Carroll intercepted strongly before finding Lucas Camporeale inside 50, while the Camporeale brothers combined neatly to create another chance for Darcy Hogg. However, the Blues struggled to make the most of their entries. Talor Byrne and Young both narrowly missed set shots, and despite dominating territory, Carlton trailed at quarter time. The Dogs capitalised on that inefficiency in the second term, extending their lead as the game became more congested between the arcs. Jordan Boyd had an impressive first half, impressing with his ball use, while Blake Acres gradually worked his way into the contest. But Footscray controlled the scoreboard, adding four goals to none in the quarter to open a 31-point advantage at the main break.

Carlton responded after half-time through Dane Harvey, who kicked truly from a free kick deep inside 50 to spark the Blues early in the third term. Cookson continued to drive the ball forward and delivered a precise pass to Jack Ison, who was lively throughout the quarter but narrowly missed his opportunity. Carlton dominated field position in the third term, with Hogg, Jordan Boyd and Jack Ison all influential, yet the Blues’ wastefulness continued as they managed just 1.7 for the quarter. Footscray made the home side pay, stretching the margin to 32 points by the final change. The Blues again started the final quarter strongly when Flynn Young delivered a neat pass from the pocket to Carroll, who converted calmly to reduce the deficit. Ison’s forward pressure soon produced another major after he earned a holding-the-ball free kick inside 50, while Tyson Gresham added a late goal. Despite continuing to win plenty of the ball through Matt Carroll, Jordan Boyd, Hogg and the Camporeale brothers, Carlton couldn’t close the gap as Footscray held on for a 21-point win.

Practice Match 4, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	2.4	4.5	8.13	10.17 (77)
RICHMOND	4.3	8.7	8.8	10.10 (70)

Venue:	IKON Park, Carlton.
Date:	Thursday March 12th 2026 (6.30 PM).
Result:	Won by 7 points.
Goalkickers:	A.Moir 3, F.Young 3, J.Boyd 1, C.Cotter 1, D.Harvey 1, L.Reidy 1.
Best:	Not Available
Reports:	Nil
Injuries:	Nil

Carlton Reserves squad v Richmond

13. Blake Acres, 16. Ben Camporeale, 21. Lucas Camporeale, 25. Liam Reidy, 26. Nick Haynes, 28. Harry Charleson, 30. Jack Ison, 34. Rob Monahan, 37. Jordan Boyd, 39. Talor Byrne, 41. Matthew Duffy, 43. Ashton Moir, 45. Flynn Young, 47. Wade Derksen 50. Darcy Tucker, 51. Jaiden Magor, 53. Olle Badr, 54. Jack O’Sullivan, 56. Flynn Riley, 57. Alwyn Davey Junior, 58. Jack Sammartino, 59. Cooper Vickery, 61. Dane Harvey, 63. Ryder Corrigan, 65. Jed Rule, 70. Darcy Hogg, 72. Charlie Cotter, 74. Logan Prout, 75. Liam Farrar, 77. Will Cookson.

Blues finish strong in practice match win.

A summary and all the highlights from Carlton's VFL practice match win over Richmond.

Carlton overcame an early deficit to record a hard-fought seven-point win over Richmond in an entertaining contest at IKON Park. In a performance that featured strong individual performances and an impressive second-half fightback from the Blues, the match also marked the return of Nick Haynes from injury, with the experienced defender playing the first half and getting through unscathed. Despite trailing by as much as 26 points at half time, it was a commanding second-half performance from the Blues in the 10.17 (77) to 10.10 (70) win.

Richmond started the game strongly, kicking the opening goal within the first minute to immediately put Carlton under pressure. The Tigers controlled the early stages, but the Blues soon responded with a moment of quality ball movement. Jordan Boyd delivered a superb kick to Flynn Young, who launched a long-range effort from beyond 50 metres to kick Carlton’s first goal of the afternoon. Young’s goal helped settle the Blues and Ashton Moir soon made an impact. Moir had been busy early, finding plenty of the football, and he capped off his strong start by kicking Carlton’s second goal to cut the margin to six points. Wade Derksen was also influential in defence during the opening term, intercepting multiple Richmond attacks and helping to steady Carlton under pressure, while Ben Camporeale was lively around the contest as well, gathering plenty of disposals and applying strong defensive pressure. Despite Carlton’s efforts, Richmond maintained control for much of the quarter and went into the first break leading 4.3 (27) to 2.4 (16). Carlton responded early in the second quarter through Jordan Boyd. After taking an intercept mark just outside 50, Jordan Boyd received a 50-metre penalty, and he made no mistake with the set shot. Soon after, another Richmond infringement resulted in a 50-metre penalty, this time sending Liam Reidy to around 30 metres from goal. Reidy converted truly to briefly put the Blues back in front. However, Richmond responded strongly, kicking the next two goals to regain the momentum. There were still some standout defensive moments from Carlton, including a brilliant chase by Matt Duffy that prevented an almost certain Richmond goal, while Blake Acres produced a desperate intercept to shut down another dangerous Tigers attack. Despite those efforts, Richmond went into half time with a handy advantage, leading 8.7 (55) to 4.5 (29).

Carlton lifted noticeably after the main break and quickly began to claw back the deficit. Ashton Moir continued his impressive afternoon by kicking his second goal as the Blues opened the scoring for the third term. Lucas Camporeale then produced a strong run down the wing before delivering the ball to Charlie Cotter, who finished calmly to kick his first goal and cut the margin to 13 points. Momentum continued to build for the Blues, highlighted by a slick end-to-end passage of play that ended with Flynn Young kicking his second goal of the match. Rob Monahan also played an important role during this period, providing run and drive as Carlton began to dominate territory. The Blues capped off an excellent quarter in dramatic fashion when Dane Harvey kicked truly right on the siren, giving Carlton the lead for the first time since early in the match. At the final break the Blues had surged ahead 8.13 (61) to 8.8 (56). Carlton carried that momentum into the final quarter. Ollie Badr produced an impressive rundown smother on the wing before delivering the ball forward to Flynn Young, who kicked truly for his third goal of the afternoon. Shortly after, Ashton Moir snapped his third goal as well to extend Carlton’s lead to 10 points and put the Blues in a strong position. Carlton secured a seven-point victory after a determined second-half comeback, made all the more impressive with both Nick Haynes and Wade Derksen coming from the ground as planned at halftime. Nick Haynes’ successful return from injury was another positive outcome from the day as the Blues finished strongly to claim the win.

Home and Away Series.

Round 1, 2026.

BYE

Round 2, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	1.3.9	6.4.40	10.6.66	12.7 (79)
WILLIAMSTOWN	4.4.28	7.7.49	10.10.70	12.12 (84)

Venue:	IKON Park, Carlton
Date:	Sunday March 29th, 2026 (10.05 AM).
Result:	Lost by 5 points.
Goalkickers:	Flynn Young 3.0, Jack Ison 2.0, Dane Harvey 1.1, Lachie Fogarty 1.1, Will Cookson 1.1, Liam Reidy 1.0, Darcy Tucker 1.0, Ashton Moir 1.0, Tom Evans 1.0, Cooper Vickery 0.1, Rushed 0.3.
Best:	Nic Newman, Liam Reidy, Flynn Young, Nick Haynes, Will Cookson, Billy Wilson.
Reports:	Nil.
Injuries:	Matt Duffy (concussion).

Head-to-head:
Carlton 19-12;
At IKON Park: Carlton 3-1;
Streak: Williamstown 4;
Last time: Carlton 12.7 (79) def by Williamstown 17.15 (117) – Round 9, 2025, IKON Park

Carlton Reserves Team

B: M. Duffy (41), N. Haynes (26), A. Saad (42)
HB: H. Charleson (28), C. Vickery (59), R. Monahan (34)
C: N. Newman (24), B. Wilson (15), B. Acres (13)
HF: L. Fogarty (8), L. Camporeale (21), J. Ison (30)
F: F. Young (45), A. Moir (43), W. Derksen (47)
R: L. Reidy (25), B. Camporeale (16), M. Cottrell (46)
INT: J. Sammartino (58), W. Cookson (77), T. Evans (67), D. Harvey (61), D. Tucker (50)
23rd Player: T. Evans (67)
EMG: E. Phillips (55), D. Hogg (70), F. Riley (56), J. Magor (51), C. Cotter (72), L. Farrar (75), L. Prout (74)

Smithys Match Review
Williamstown prevailed in another thriller, this time downing Carlton by five points at IKON Park – its second win by less than a goal to start the 2026 season. The Seagulls had to survive a huge scare late, with Ashton Moir’s kick with the final touch of the day skewing out of bounds on the full. Williamstown had earlier made a fast start to race to a 16-point lead, before the Blues sharpened up to make a game of it and on four occasions got the margin to under a goal. But the away side always had an answer and found a way to hold on to go 2-0, a vast difference to their 0-2 start 12 months prior. Joel Fitzgerald excelled for the victors with 35 disposals, 11 marks and eight intercepts, with teammate Hugo Hall-Kahan also having a similar output with 34 touches, 11 marks and seven score involvements. Carlton best contributors in defeat were Nick Newman, Ben Camporeale (27 disposals) and Flynn Young (three goals).

Best: Nic Newman, Liam Reidy, Flynn Young, Nick Haynes, William Cookson, Billy Wilson.

Carlton's Match Review Gallant effort not enough in tight opening loss
The Carlton Reserves fell by five points in their first VFL game of the season. - By Bailey Walsh.

The Carlton Reserves have been pipped at the post in their opening game of the VFL season, falling short by five points against Williamstown. After being headed all day in an up-and-down contest, the VFL Blues just fell short in the 12.7 (79) to 12.12 (84) defeat. On a day where the Blues had a number of senior-listed players roll through the VFL side, Nic Newman’s performance was a key highlight for the Blues, with the experienced defender finishing with 23 disposals playing on the wing and half-back. Williamstown burst out of the blocks, kicking the opening two goals and setting the tone early. It was Flynn Young who provided an early highlight with a strong chase-down tackle before converting truly to get the Blues on the board. But despite that effort, Williamstown controlled the quarter on the scoreboard, taking a 19-point lead into the first break. The Blues responded strongly in the second term to get themselves back into the contest, with VFL debutant Will Cookson slotting the opening goal to reduce the margin to 15 points. Lachie Fogarty followed with a composes finished after a strong mark inside 50, as Matt Cottrell had a growing influence along with Nic Newman, applying pressure and finding plenty of the ball. After an early surge by the Blues, the Seagulls steadied with two quick goals of their own, before Jack Ison converted his first in Navy Blue and Ashton Moir added another with a classy finish. A superb contested mark to Flynn Young saw him convert to bring the margin back to under a goal, as after a strong second term, the Blues closed the gap significantly to trail by nine points at the main break. The two teams went goal for goal to start the third term, as Darcy Tucker goaled from close range, Jack Ison added his second after a strong passage of play and Flynn Young snapped truly to cut the deficit to just two points.

The contest remaining tight throughout the quarter, with scores once again close at three-quarter time: a precise Ben Camporeale assist to Dane Harvey meant the Blues trailed by four points at the final change. Williamstown struck first in the final term, kicking two quick goals to stretch the margin to 16 points. Tom Evans responded with his first goal on his VFL debut to keep his side in touch, and just a minute later, Liam Reidy added another to set up a tense finish. The Blues dominated territory in the closing minutes but were unable to convert, having one final attack before the siren sounded with the home side five points down. Ben Camporeale was the main disposal-getter for the Blues with 27 possessions, while Nic Newman (23 disposals) and Cookson (23 disposals, one goal) fought hard all day. Billy Wilson impressed in his first game of the season, providing run and carry with 18 disposals, while Nick Haynes took 13 marks in defence. Matt Cottrell played a half and got through unscathed in his first game back since April last year, while the Blues were also without Matt Duffy (concussion) in the second half.

Truslove reflects on Round 2 battle
VFL Senior Coach Damian Truslove spoke to Carlton Media following the five-point loss to Williamstown in Round 2.- By Bailey Walsh

Carlton Reserves coach Damian Truslove pointed to a slow start as the key takeaway from his side’s narrow opening loss, while still highlighting the effort and competitiveness shown across the remainder of the match.

On lamenting the first term: “The boys put up a great fight, we know Williamstown are a fantastic outfit. “I think our first quarter is something we’ve got to look at the way we played there, we didn’t really play the brand of footy that we wanted to. For three quarters, we played our way and we were in front in a lot of key statistics around that - we’ll look closely at the first quarter and then make some adjustments for next week.”

On a slow start after the bye: “It’s always good to come off a solid game which they had against Frankston last week and our boys had the weekend off, however I think we can learn just around our decision making and some of our execution when the pressure’s hot early in the game. “We’ll review that closely and we’ll certainly be better in that area for next week against North Melbourne.”

On debutants and standout performances: “It was great to have six debutants for the Club, with four of them VFL-listed plus two of our AFL boys. “They all put up a really good fight. I thought after a slowish start, our midfield was good for three quarters. Our backs were undersized but fought really hard, plus our forwards were also quite undersized but competed well for most of the game.”

On looking ahead to North Melbourne: “It’ll be fantastic down at Arden Street on Good Friday. They’re a really talented list and it’ll be a tough game for us, but we’ve just got to recover well and work on a few of those areas -- particularly in the first quarter. “We need to improve and just come out red hot and ready to go next week.”

Coaches MVP Award 9 - Hugo Hall-Kahan (WILL)
5 - Luke Parks (WILL)
4 - Joel Fitzgerald (WILL)
3 - Nic Newman (CARL)
3 - Jack Toner (WILL)
3 - Flynn Young (CARL)
2 - Liam Reidy (CARL)
1 - Josh D'Intinosante (WILL)

Video

Round 3, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	xx	xx	XX	XX (XX)
NORTH MELBOURNE	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)

Venue:	Arden Street Oval, North Melbourne.
Date:	Friday April 3rd, 2026 (10.30 AM).
Result:
Goalkickers:
Best:
Reports:
Injuries:

Carlton Reserves Team

Smithys Match Review

Carlton's Match Review

Coaches MVP Award

Video

Round 4, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)
COLLINGWOOD	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)

Venue:	IKON Park, Carlton
Date:	Friday April 17th, 2026 (7.05 AM).
Result:
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Best:
Reports:
Injuries:

Carlton Reserves Team

Smithys Match Review

Carlton's Match Review

Coaches MVP Award

Video

Round 5, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)
TASMANIA DEVILS	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)

Venue:	Ninja Stadium, Hobart (TAS).
Date:	Saturday 25th April, 2026 (7.05 PM).
Result:
Goalkickers:
Best:
Reports:
Injuries:

Carlton Reserves Team

Smithys Match Review

Carlton's Match Review

Coaches MVP Award

Video

Round 6, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)
ST KILDA	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)

Venue:	IKON Park, Carlton
Date:	Saturday May 2nd, 2026 (12.05 PM).
Result:
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Best:
Reports:
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Carlton Reserves Team

Smithys Match Review

Carlton's Match Review

Coaches MVP Award

Video

Round 7, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)
CASEY DEMONS	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)

Venue:	Casey Fields, Cranbourne.
Date:	Saturday May 9th, 2026 (10.00 AM).
Result:
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Best:
Reports:
Injuries:

Carlton Reserves Team

Smithys Match Review

Carlton's Match Review

Coaches MVP Award

Video

Round 8, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)
WESTERN BULLDOGS	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)

Venue:	IKON Park, Carlton
Date:	Saturday May 16th, 2026 (12.05 PM).
Result:
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Best:
Reports:
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Carlton Reserves Team

Smithys Match Review

Carlton's Match Review

Coaches MVP Award

Video

Round 9, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)
COBURGE	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)

Venue:	Barry Plant Park, Coburg.
Date:	Sunday May 24th. 2026/
Result:
Goalkickers:
Best:
Reports:
Injuries:

Carlton Reserves Team

Smithys Match Review

Carlton's Match Review

Coaches MVP Award

Video

Round 10, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)
GEELONG	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)

Venue:	IKON Park, Carlton
Date:	Saturday May 30, 2026 (12.05 pm).
Result:
Goalkickers:
Best:
Reports:
Injuries:

Carlton Reserves Team

Smithys Match Review

Carlton's Match Review

Coaches MVP Award

Video

Round 11, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)
ESSENDON	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)

Venue:	Windy Hill, Essendon.
Date:	Sunday Junw 7. 2026 (2.05 pm).
Result:
Goalkickers:
Best:
Reports:
Injuries:

Carlton Reserves Team

Smithys Match Review

Carlton's Match Review

Coaches MVP Award

Video

Round 12, 2026.

BYE

Round 13, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)
GWS Giants	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)

Venue:	Engie Stadium, Sydney.
Date:	Saturday June 20, 2026 (12.15 pm).
Result:
Goalkickers:
Best:
Reports:
Injuries:

Carlton Reserves Team

Smithys Match Review

Carlton's Match Review

Coaches MVP Award

Video

Round 14, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)
WERRIBEE	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)

Venue:	IKON Park, Carlton
Date:	tbc
Result:
Goalkickers:
Best:
Reports:
Injuries:

Carlton Reserves Team

Smithys Match Review

Carlton's Match Review

Coaches MVP Award

Video

Round 15, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)
RICHMOND	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)

Venue:	IKON Park, Carlton
Date:	TBC
Result:
Goalkickers:
Best:
Reports:
Injuries:

Carlton Reserves Team

Smithys Match Review

Carlton's Match Review

Coaches MVP Award

Video

Round 16, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)
BOX HILL HAWKS	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)

Venue:	IKON Park, Carlton
Date:	TBC
Result:
Goalkickers:
Best:
Reports:
Injuries:

Carlton Reserves Team

Smithys Match Review

Carlton's Match Review

Coaches MVP Award

Video

Round 17, 2026.

BYE

Round 18, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)
GOLD COAST SUNS	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)

Venue:	IKON Park, Carlton
Date:	TBC
Result:
Goalkickers:
Best:
Reports:
Injuries:

Carlton Reserves Team

Smithys Match Review

Carlton's Match Review

Coaches MVP Award

Video

Round 19, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)
BRISBANE LIONS	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)

Venue:	IKON Park, Carlton
Date:	TBC
Result:
Goalkickers:
Best:
Reports:
Injuries:

Carlton Reserves Team

Smithys Match Review

Carlton's Match Review

Coaches MVP Award

Video

Round 20, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)
ST KILDA	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)

Venue:	IKON Park, Carlton
Date:	TBC
Result:
Goalkickers:
Best:
Reports:
Injuries:

Carlton Reserves Team

Smithys Match Review

Carlton's Match Review

Coaches MVP Award

Video

Round 21, 2026.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final Score
CARLTON	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)
WESTERN BULLDOGS	XX	XX	XX	XX (XX)

Venue:	IKON Park, Carlton
Date:	TBC
Result:
Goalkickers:
Best:
Reports:
Injuries:

Carlton Reserves Team

Smithys Match Review

Carlton's Match Review

Coaches MVP Award

Video

Ladder end of 2026 VFL Home & Away Season.

2026 VFL Finals Series

Week 1

Wild Card Round.The first six teams qualified directly for the finals while the four teams from 7th-10th played off in a 'wildcard round.

Week 2

1st Qualifying Final:

2nd Qualifying Final:

1st Elimination Final:

2nd Elimination Final:

Week 3

1st Semi Final:

2nd Semi Final:

Week 4

1st Preliminary Final:

2nd Preliminary Final:

Week 5

Grand Final:

Links