The Carlton Draft has unveiled six local clubs spread across Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia as participants for the 2026 iteration of the concept, which will see them draft a former AFL legend for a special, one-off match day.
The like of Gary Ablett Jr will be joined by former teammate Gary Rohan, while Josh Kennedy (WCE), Lewis Jetta, Josh Gibson and Dyson Heppell will all play in clashes under the theme of 'rivalry'.
The participating clubs in the 2026 Carlton Draft are:
- Tamworth Kangaroos and Tamworth Swans (AFL North West NSW)
- Newbridge FNC and Bridgewater FNC (Loddon Valley Football Netball League, VIC)
- Denmark Walpole FC and Royals FC (Great Southern Football League, WA)
Each of these rivalries has a history of fierce competition, while the clubs have faced recent challenges both on and off the field.
Representatives from each club will travel to Melbourne next month for Draft Night, where they will welcome their newest recruit.
The 2026 Carlton Draft playing pool features:
- 2 x Brownlow Medallist and AFL Legend, Gary Ablett Jr
- Triple premiership Hawk, Josh Gibson
- Former Essendon Captain, Dyson Heppell
- West Coast Eagles' all-time leading goalkicker, Josh Kennedy
- Dual premiership player, Lewis Jetta
- 2022 premiership Cat, Gary Rohan
Ablett will take on Rohan; Heppell and Gibson will do battle, while teammates Kennedy and Jetta will stand opposite one another.
Now in its fifth year, The Carlton Draft received over 160 entries from local football clubs across Australia, all vying for the chance to bring an AFL legend through the doors.
The Carlton Draft will take place on Thursday, 7 May at the Palace Hotel in Camberwell.
Limited tickets are available to purchase at https://www.palacecamberwell.com.au/#home-whats-on-section
