Carlton defenders Caleb Marchbank and Sam Durdin and forward David Cuningham have each penned Blues contract extensions to remain at Princes Park.
Marchbank, Durdin, and Cuningham all signed one-year deals after being made to sweat for new Carlton contracts.
After beginning his AFL days with the Giants, former pick No.6 Marchbank made his way south, joining the Blues during the 2016 trade period after seven appearances in charcoal and orange.
And though injury has hampered the Benalla native for much of his time spent in Navy Blue, the key defender has battled manfully to play 53 games for the Baggers across the past seven seasons -- including each of Carlton's three finals this season.
With multiple knee injuries and a calf complaint keeping Marchbank sidelined for the entirety of the 2020 and 2021 seasons, Carlton has been understandably cautious regarding the stopper's health.
Cuningham, meanwhile, has been categorically injury-plagued throughout his Blues career, managing just 53 senior games across eight seasons in the league.
However, the 26-year-old underwent a career resurrection of sorts this year, equalling his career-best season games tally in 2023, playing 12 matches, including two of Carlton's three finals appearances this year.
Durdin, meanwhile, has played one senior game for Carlton since he was acquired in the 2022 Mid-Season Draft by the Blues after playing 22 games in North Melbourne colours.
Carlton list boss Nick Austin expressed his pleasure at being able to retain Marchbank, Cuningham, and Durdin in 2024.
“Caleb's return to the senior side has been welcomed, slotting into the back six with a team-first mindset. He has had some really strong moments this season and his ability to perform under pressure late in the season was impressive,” Austin said via CarltonFC.com.au on Friday.
“We also need to acknowledge the journey it has taken for Caleb to get to where he is now, it is a huge credit to his diligence and drive to see him back and playing so well, we look forward to seeing him continue to emerge over the next 12 months.
“David's story has been one of incredible resolve and grit, and it is really pleasing to see his journey continue with us next year.
“Overcoming significant injuries and setbacks, his determination to play AFL again has never wavered. He is hungry to get the best out of himself as we know he'll attack the summer and 2024 with the mindset to build consistency in his game.
“As soon as Sam walked through the doors of the footy club he has had such a positive impact on the playing group. Sam provides significant depth to our defensive group and is someone who is always pushing those around him to be better.
“He is humble, works hard, and is ready to do what is needed to make himself and his teammates better, all the qualities you want in a player.”
Following the trio's recommitment and the earlier departures of Ed Curnow, Josh Honey, Lochie O'Brien, Sam Philp and Lachie Plowman, midfielder Paddy Dow remains the only player without a deal to stay on at Princes Park.
Dow has long been linked with a crosstown move to reunite with Stephen Silvagni at St Kilda this off-season.
