Carlton midfielder Matt Kennedy has signed a one-year extension to remain at Ikon Park for 2022, while duo Matt Owies and Josh Honey are understood to be nearing new deals for next season.
Kennedy has played 42 matches for the Blues since arriving in Victoria from Greater Western Sydney, taking his career games tally to 61.
The 24-year-old played 13 games for the Blues in 2021 after being delisted and re-signed as a rookie for this season.
After playing just three of the opening 13 games of the season, Kennedy transitioned into a key role player for the Blues in the latter half of the year.
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Carlton list manager Nick Austin lauded Kennedy's efforts in taking his chances at AFL level.
“Matt worked extremely hard this year to earn his spot in the side after the bye and it was pleasing to see him make the most of his opportunities at the back end of the season,” Austin said.
“With his running patterns being a major focus of his, he was able to cover more ground, adding grunt to our midfield and winning the ball to support the likes of Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh.
“We look forward to seeing Matt build on his strong end to the year and push for more senior opportunities in 2022.”
Sources close to Zero Hanger have indicated that Owies and Honey are also set to sign new deals that will keep them at Princes Park for a further 12 months.
Sources tell me Matt Owies is closing in a new one-year deal. Great reward for a terrific season.
— Jake Benoiton (@JakeBenoiton) September 29, 2021
Owies played 13 games for the Blues this season after playing just the one match in 2020, cementing his place in Carlton's forward line after a string of impressive performances.
The 24-year-old managed 14 goals from his 13 games in 2021, including three goals against the Bombers in his second career game in the navy blue.
Honey was able to break into the Blues' senior side in Round 10 against Hawthorn before playing the final four games of the year, booting six goals from his five appearances.
Carlton have managed to re-sign Patrick Cripps (2027), Ed Curnow (2022), Brodie Kemp (2023), Matthew Kennedy (2022), Harry McKay (2023), Nic Newman (2023), Marc Pittonet (2023) and Jack Silvagni (2023) to new deals this year.
The Blues are also set to bolster their list in the upcoming change window, with Swans free agent George Hewett and Eagles midfielder Jarrod Brander linked to Carlton, while Fremantle gun Adam Cerra has formally requested a trade to Ikon Park.
Carlton will enter next season under the leadership of newly-appointed senior coach Michael Voss and chief executive Brian Cook.
