After two years with Carlton Football Club, midfielder Jack Carroll finds himself exploring new opportunities following his recent delisting from the Blues. A promising young player, Carroll had been seen as a developing asset for Carlton, but in a highly competitive environment like the AFL, he now seeks to reignite his career elsewhere. Fortunately for Carroll, his talents have not gone unnoticed, with reports suggesting that at least three AFL clubs are showing interest in securing his services.
A Promising Start
Jack Carroll was drafted by Carlton with pick 41 in the 2020 AFL Draft, coming from East Fremantle in the WAFL, where he displayed promising skills as an inside midfielder with strong disposal efficiency. Throughout his youth, he impressed scouts with his ability to gather the ball in contested situations and link up effectively with teammates. His strong work ethic, footy IQ, and vision were highlighted as assets that could be nurtured within a senior AFL program.
In his time at Carlton, Carroll showed glimpses of his potential, particularly during the 2022 season, where he made his senior debut and played several games under coach Michael Voss. Although opportunities at the top level were somewhat limited due to a crowded midfield group, the 21-year-old continued to develop his game in the VFL, showcasing his versatility as both an inside and outside midfielder.
Carlton’s Decision
Despite the flashes of promise, Carlton made the tough decision to delist Carroll at the conclusion of the 2023 season. The club faced a series of difficult choices as it sought to reshape its list heading into 2024, and Carroll’s departure was one of several changes made. With the Blues boasting a deep midfield group, including the likes of Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh, and Adam Cerra, opportunities for emerging players like Carroll were increasingly limited.
However, the decision to part ways with the young midfielder was not one made lightly. Carroll remained well-regarded within the club for his professionalism and work ethic. Nevertheless, with Carlton setting its sights on immediate success and pushing for finals contention, the need to refine their list left Carroll as an unfortunate casualty of the process.
Interest from Other AFL Clubs
As word of his delisting spread, a trio of AFL clubs has reportedly expressed interest in bringing Carroll into their fold. While the exact identities of these clubs remain speculative, it’s clear that his potential is being recognized by teams looking to bolster their midfield depth with a young, developing player.
Given Carroll’s profile, it’s likely that these clubs are those either in the rebuilding phase or seeking to add depth to their rotations. His ability to play both inside and outside midfield roles makes him a flexible option for teams looking for a hard-running player who can distribute the ball cleanly. Additionally, his relative youth offers clubs the chance to develop him further, with the possibility of him becoming a regular feature in their midfield rotations in the coming seasons.
Clubs with aging midfields or those lacking depth in their second-tier players would see Carroll as a valuable addition. His time at Carlton, where he was exposed to a high-performance environment under coach Michael Voss, has undoubtedly prepared him for the demands of senior AFL football.
Next Steps for Carroll
For Jack Carroll, the upcoming months will be crucial as he navigates his next steps in the AFL. While being delisted can be a setback, it also offers a fresh start and a new opportunity. At 21, Carroll still has plenty of football ahead of him and could find himself rejuvenated with a new club willing to invest in his development.
The AFL delisted free agency period presents an avenue for Carroll to secure a spot with one of the interested clubs. As he weighs up his options, Carroll will be considering not just the playing opportunities available, but also the long-term development pathways that can help him reach his full potential as an AFL player.
For clubs interested in Carroll, it’s a chance to pick up a young, talented midfielder without the cost of a trade or draft pick. This could make him an attractive proposition for teams looking to strengthen their midfield group without using valuable list management resources.
A New Beginning
As Jack Carroll embarks on the next chapter of his AFL career, it’s clear that he still has much to offer. While his time at Carlton was brief, the interest from multiple clubs indicates that his talents have not been overlooked. With the right fit, Carroll has the potential to become a key contributor in an AFL midfield, and the next few months will determine where his journey takes him next.
For now, the young midfielder will remain focused on maintaining his fitness and continuing to work on his game, awaiting the opportunity to reignite his career with a new club that believes in his potential.
