Staying or going? Verdict on every Carlton player’s future after remarkable 2026 season

Enter Josh Fraser for the start of this year’s most remarkable turnaround.

Plenty of Blues have already been shown the door, but will there be more?

2. LACHLAN COWAN

Age: 21, Games: 62 (24 in 2026), Contract Ends: 2028

Became a mainstay in Carlton’s defence as its best mid-sized lockdown defender. His statistics did not balloon in his breakout campaign, but he constantly got dangerous forward talents to shut down and often did. Would be on Tasmania’s radar as a local talent if he doesn’t extend beyond 2028.

Verdict: Staying

3. JESSE MOTLOP

Age: 22, Games: 63 (0), Contract Ends: 2027

Spent the year recovering from an ACL injury, but Motlop should be right to start pre-season on time - albeit on a modified program. His position in the team and role in the forward 50 may come under question heading into next season after the recruitment of Ben Ainsworth and Will Hayward, and the drafting of Talor Byrne and Jack Ison. Big summer ahead.

Verdict: Staying

4. OLLIE HOLLANDS

Age: 22, Games: 79 (14), Contract Ends: 2026

Looked out the door when he was dropped under Josh Fraser and North Melbourne came with the cash, but Hollands has re-signed for three years to stay at the Blues. Likely settles on a wing again for Carlton as the club searches for running half backs to partner with Billy Wilson.

Verdict: Staying

5. ADAM CERRA

Age: 26, Games: 170 (22), Contract Ends: 2030

Thrown around the field this season, Cerra eventually settled on the half back flank as the Blues looked to replace the injured Nic Newman. He was a consistent contributor out of defence alongside Billy Wilson and Carlton will likely use his versatility in 2027. His role may depend on the recruiting class of this summer, with Cerra able to play inside or outside midfield as well as down back.

Verdict: Staying

6. ZAC WILLIAMS

Age: 31, Games: 183 (9), Contract ends: 2026

Couldn’t find a spot in Josh Fraser’s team, falling out of favour when the coaching change occurred. Williams was delisted at the end of the season but is a likely pick up by a rival club looking for an experienced mid-sized utility.

Verdict: Delisted

7. JAGGA SMITH

Age: 20, Games: 25 (25), Contract Ends: 2030

His first season was wiped out with an ACL injury, but there were no signs of that for the highly-coveted youngster. Immediately slotted into the Blues’ midfield and was a contributor. Smith looks every bit of a 10+ year elite midfielder.

Verdict: Staying

8. LACHIE FOGARTY

Age: 27, Games: 92 (2), Contract Ends: 2026

Some within the four walls at Carlton saw Fogarty’s delisting as stiff in nature, having dominated as an inside midfielder in the VFL but played as a small forward at AFL level. The club needs inside midfield depth, making the delisting more puzzling. He’ll be sought after by stand-alone VFL clubs.

Verdict: Delisted

9. PATRICK CRIPPS

Age: 31, Games: 255 (25), Contract Ends: 2027

Is contracted and despite his loyalty to the Blues, there was plenty of speculation that he might head back to Perth at the end of the season. But Cripps will stay at the Blues and continue to lead the midfield. Became more of a defensive-minded bull under Fraser.

Verdict: Staying

10. HARRY MCKAY

Age: 28, Games: 163 (23), Contract Ends: 2030

Death, taxes, and Harry McKay’s name being circulated as a trade option. McKay is contracted for another four years but that is not stopping speculation about his future. He booted 35 goals in a bit of a down year for the forward, who didn’t have injury worries to blame his lack of production. Lifted in the final six weeks of the season, kicking 13 goals to finish the year.

Verdict: Likely staying

11. MITCH MCGOVERN

Age: 31, Games: 170 (25), Contract Ends: 2027

Survived the axe at the end of last year when he was dropped to avoid hitting a trigger, McGovern went on to play every game in 2026. A valuable swingman, McGovern signed a one-year extension before the year was out.

Verdict: Staying

12. BEN AINSWORTH

Age: 28, Games: 183 (25), Contract Ends: 2029

Arriving at the Blues ahead of the 2026 campaign, Ainsworth played every game in his first season at the club and grew into his small forward role. His final month of the season, including the wildcard and elimination finals, was Ainsworth’s best stretch of footy.

Verdict: Staying

13. BLAKE ACRES

Age: 30, Games: 199 (12), Contract Ends: 2027

Was out of favour to start the season, not playing any senior footy until round 12 despite strong VFL form. Got his spot back on a wing under Fraser and played 12 of the final 14 games, including both of the finals. Contracted until 2027, so will likely stay at the club but will may be more of a depth option if the Blues are aggressive in the trade market.

Verdict: Likely staying

14. OLIVER FLORENT

Age: 28, Games: 209 (25), Contract Ends: 2030

Fell out of favour at Sydney and was traded in the off-season, becoming a successful signing for the Blues. He played every game in 2026 in a distributing role between wing and half back. He’s still got a long-term deal at the Blues.

Verdict: Staying

15. BILLY WILSON

Age: 21, Games: 21 (17), Contract Ends: 2028

The change of coach brought Wilson’s first real chance as a senior player, breaking into the side for his first game in round 9. From there he didn’t miss a game, growing in confidence off half back throughout the season under new coach Josh Fraser. It led to a two-year extension in July, and going forward Wilson will likely be the primary distributor off half back.

Verdict: Staying

16. BEN CAMPOREALE

Age: 20, Games: 0 (0), Contract Ends: 2026

The father-son prospect never broke through for a debut at Carlton, but his VFL form was strong as a midfielder. He has been delisted, with the club extending a train-on invitation in a bid to earn back a position as an SSP signing. But he is free to explore life as a delisted free agent and may find a new home before then.

Verdict: Delisted

17. BRODIE KEMP

Age: 25, Games: 74 (25), Contract Ends: 2027

Kemp played every game in 2026 and led the Blues in goal kicking, booting 39.27 for the year. While he was productive as the No.2 target behind Harry McKay, Carlton is hoping to land another key forward to shoulder some of the burden.

Verdict: Staying

18. SAM WALSH

Age: 26, Games: 158 (25), Contract Ends: 2034

Walsh put aside any speculation of him moving on as a free agent when he signed a monster eight-year extension to remain at the Blues. He went on to play every game this season - first time since 2021 - after a full pre-season. He could be Carlton’s captain in the not-too-distant future.

Verdict: Staying

19. WILL HAYWARD

Age: 27, Games: 205 (21), Contract Ends: 2030

Carlton finally got its man last year when Charlie Curnow requested a trade to Sydney, having failed to lure Hayward to the Blues as a free agent. But he came across as steak knives and added value to the forward half. Spent some time on a wing for the Blues but mostly lined up in the forward 50.

Verdict: Staying

20. ELIJAH HOLLANDS

Age: 24, Games: 47 (6), Contract Ends: 2026

Hollands’ time at Carlton came to an official end in the days following the elimination final loss, but he never returned to the club after his mental health episode against Collingwood in what was his final game. He will step away from football.

Verdict: Delisted

21. LUCAS CAMPOREALE

Age: 20, Games: 3 (0), Contract Ends: 2026

Couldn’t find a way back into the senior side after three games in 2025, and has been delisted after two years at the club. But both Lucas and his brother Ben Camporeale will get their chance at earning an SSP spot over the summer after being invited back for pre-season.

Verdict: Delisted

22. HARRY O’FARRELL

Age: 20, Games: 6 (0), Contract Ends: 2027

His torn ACL suffered back in 2025 meant O’Farrell spent the entire campaign on the sidelines, but there’s plenty of promise for the young key defender. Carlton fans are hoping he develops to be the third tall alongside Jacob Weitering and Harry Dean in the coming years.

Verdict: Staying

23. JACOB WEITERING

Age: 28, Games: 218 (14), Contract Ends: 2031

The club has categorically denied Weitering could be on the move in the off-season, despite being one of the competition’s premier full backs. He’s got a lengthy contract and is well paid, and a partnership with Harry Dean is set to be an elite defensive spine for the next five years.

Verdict: Staying

24. NIC NEWMAN

Age: 33, Games: 150 (16), Contract Ends: 2026

Has signed on for an extra year in September after a hamstring injury in his 150th game ended his season. Continues to be a contributor off half back and the Blues missed his ball use late in the season, but his role and responsibilities in 2027 would be reduced as Billy Wilson emerged this year.

Verdict: Staying

25. LIAM REIDY

Age: 26, Games: 7 (4), Contract Ends: 2028

Came across from Fremantle at the end of last season, Reidy played back-up ruck to Marc Pittonet. He managed four games early in the season as the Blues tossed up their ideal team structure, but ultimately preferred one legitimate ruck with pinch-hitting help. Will struggle to break in next season if Joel Amartey arrives for next year.

Verdict: Staying

26. NICK HAYNES

Age: 34, Games: 253 (19), Contract Ends: 2026

A very cost-efficient signing from GWS, Haynes quickly became a much-loved member of the playing group at Carlton. Will remain for another season at the Blues after a one-year extension, having played through ankle issues in the final weeks of the season.

Verdict: Staying

27. MARC PITTONET

Age: 30, Games: 102 (22), Contract Ends: 2027

Clear No.1 ruck after Tom De Koning’s departure and quickly became a cult figure for the Blues. Contributed strongly throughout the season. Contracted for next season and isn’t going anywhere, but will be on Tasmania’s radar next year as a veteran ruck and mentor if he doesn’t sign an extension.

Verdict: Staying

28. HARRY CHARLESON

Age: 20, Games: 0 (0), Contract Ends: 2026

Never got the chance to break through for a debut, delisted by Carlton at the end of the campaign. Steadily improved at VFL level across 36 games, so will be a target by reserve-grade sides across the country.

Verdict: Delisted

29. GEORGE HEWETT

Age: 30, Games: 223 (21), Contract Ends: 2027

Was a surprise omission under Michael Voss that had many questioning his future at the club, but returned for the previous coach’s final game and then didn’t miss under Josh Fraser reign. Will remain at the Blues next year and then become a target of interest by Tasmania if he remains unsigned.

Verdict: Staying

30. JACK ISON

Age: 19, Games: 8 (8), Contract Ends: 2028

Broke through for a debut midway through his first season to play eight straight games, but cost himself late in the year after missing a training session that led to his dropping. The NGA draftee showed signs to earn an early extension, extending in August.

Verdict: Staying

31. CAMPBELL CHESSER

Age: 23, Games: 39 (3), Contract Ends: 2027

Made the move from West Coast in hopes for a fresh start, but it was a rocky ride to begin life in navy blue. He played the opening three games of the season but none after that, and failed to star at the lower levels. Got a contract for next year and will need a big summer to earn an extension.

Verdict: Staying

32. MATT CARROLL

Age: 20, Games: 27 (10), Contract Ends: 2027

An ACL injury wiped out a promising third season, having played 10 of the first 11 games. He is seen as a long-term winger by those within the club and will be given time to fully recover from his injury. Contracted until the end of next year, he has time to extend beyond that.

Verdict: Staying

33. LEWIS YOUNG

Age: 27, Games: 94 (14), Contract Ends: 2026

The versatile utility was thrown around the ground across his 14 games this year - and it was mostly the same for Young across his entire career. Young was prepared to sign a minimum-level deal to remain at the club, but Carlton delisted him at the end of the campaign.

Verdict: Delisted

34. ROB MONAHAN

Age: 22, Games: 0 (0), Contract Ends: 2026

Monahan has spent the past three years on Carlton’s list after arriving from Ireland in 2023. A shoulder injury kept him sidelined for most of this year’s campaign, and his future is still uncertain as the club navigates its list moves.

Verdict: In the air

35. HARRY DEAN

Age: 18, Games: 22 (22), Contract Ends: 2028

Quickly became one of the first picked for both Michael Voss and then Josh Fraser. The key defender also won over the hearts of Blues and rival fans everywhere for his determined attitude on the field and his larrikin personality off of it. He’ll be a long-time Blue.

Verdict: Staying

36. COOPER LORD

Age: 21, Games: 34 (11), Contract Ends: 2029

Picked up a staph infection early in the season after a sauna outbreak, spending four nights in hospital. But he returned to the side later in the season, playing the final eight games. He’s signed on to 2029 and won’t be going anywhere.

Verdict: Staying

37. JORDAN BOYD

Age: 28, Games: 40 (2), Contract Ends: 2026

The defender fell out of favour in 2026, consistently listed as an emergency for the Blues and only adding two games to his career tally. Boyd was delisted at the end of the campaign and will likely find a gig at another VFL club in 2027.

Verdict: Delisted

38. FLYNN RILEY

Age: 22, Games: 1 (1), Contract Ends: 2026

Managed a debut in 2026 after Marc Pittonet went down with injury, Reilly gave the Blues faithful one of the best goal celebrations of the year. Out of contract and the Blues had seen him as a long-term prospect who could eventually take on the No.1 ruck duties, but a three-year deal from Collingwood has proved too tempting and a trade has been requested.

Verdict: Likely gone

39. TALOR BYRNE

Age: 18, Games: 20 (20), Contract Ends: 2028

Byrne made an early-season debut as a small forward after arriving as a third-round pick last year, and ultimately played 20 games in his maiden campaign. Byrne was lively up forward in a new-look attack and signed an extension in August.

Verdict: Staying

40. HUDSON O’KEEFFE

Age: 21, Games: 8 (3), Contract Ends: 2026

Played a few games as a back up ruck under Michael Voss as the Blues adjusted to life after Tom De Koning. But he eventually played out the season in the reserves as a key forward and ruck and will likely get an extension into 2027.

Verdict: Likely staying

41. MATT DUFFY

Age: 22, Games: 0 (0), Contract Ends: 2026

Duffy spent three seasons at Carlton after signing as a category B rookie and played 27 VFL games. But the Irishman never broke through for a senior debut and left the club in August to return to Ireland.

Verdict: Delisted

42. ADAM SAAD

Age: 32, Games: 219 (3), Contract Ends: 2026

His time at Carlton will come to an end this year, with the defender unable to earn an extension. Still yet to be determined whether he will retire or attempt to play on elsewhere. Carlton still has the Adam Saad Pathways, an elite junior program for multicultural and First Nations participants, which the club will continue beyond Saad’s time at the Blues.

Verdict: Delisted

43. ASHTON MOIR

Age: 21, Games: 13 (2), Contract Ends: 2027

Would’ve come under pressure had he been out of contract, Moir has failed to break into the senior side consistently. Will need a big summer of improvement to play under Fraser in 2027, having been past by recent additions and draftees.

Verdict: Staying

44. FRANCIS EVANS

Age: 25, Games: 67 (23), Contract Ends: 2028

The three-team forward finally broke in for his most-consistent year yet after two-year stints at both Geelong and Port Adelaide. He played 23 games and booted 24 goals, but it was his forward pressure that earned him plaudits. Evans will finally get to see a third season at the same club.

Verdict: Staying

45. FLYNN YOUNG

Age: 24, Games: 11 (3), Contract Ends: 2026

The outstanding local Geelong footballer couldn’t earn an extension beyond 2026 after two years at the Blues. Young was clearly not on Fraser’s plans after lasting just three weeks under the interim coach. He’ll be highly sought after at VFL level, with a return to Werribee -where he won the 2025 premiership - on the cards.

Verdict: Delisted

46. MATT COTTRELL

Age: 26, Games: 86 (14), Contract Ends: 2027

Took Cottrell a while to get going after a knee injury in February cost him the start of the season. He played his first game in round 7, but it wasn’t until round 15 he was back to being a consistent season performer. Kicked four behinds - all hitting the post - in the wildcard final.

Verdict: Staying

47. WADE DERKSEN

Age: 25, Games: 15 (15), Contract Ends: 2028

He didn’t take the path of least resistance after requesting a trade back in 2024, but Derksen ended up on a list in Victoria and broke through for 15 games in his first season at Carlton. Quickly signed an extension to remain beyond this year. A great story of perseverance after driving from Darwin to Melbourne for a trial at the Blues.

Verdict: Staying

Originally published as Staying or going? Verdict on every Carlton player’s future after remarkable 2026 season