Carlton forward Lachie Fogarty has earned a new contract at Princes Park that will see the 24-year-old extend his time with the Blues for a further 12 months.
Fogarty was facing an uncertain future early into the year, with his contract's expiry nearing as he struggled to break into Michael Voss' best 22.
The Western Jets junior would earn a recall in Round 14 against the Gold Coast Suns, where he would boot a goal from his 10 disposals and lay three tackles to hold his place for the following game.
Fogarty has played all but one of Carlton's 11 games since his return to AFL level, finding a role in Voss' attacking third as a pressure small forward. Averaging 5.1 tackles per game, Fogarty ranks third for tackler per game among forwards this year.
The strong second half of this season is set to see Fogarty's time with Carlton extended for a further season, with a one-year deal reportedly settled between both parties.
Fogarty's recommitment was announced on Sunday, with Blues' list bos Nick Austin tipping his cap to the 24-year-old's work ethic.
“Lachie has earned this. He has shown incredible resilience to work his way back into the side, and has added pressure and speed to our forward line from the moment he earned his senior recall,” Austin told Carlton Media.
“Lachie has really fought for his spot and is a great example of someone who has worked hard on his craft and demonstrated significant determination.
“He knows his role Lachie and gives everything to executing that role, which is so valuable to us as a team. To top it off he is an excellent character, and we look forward to seeing what he can do in Navy Blue in 2024.”
Carlton has enjoyed a strong year of retention signings in 2023, having managed to lock away the likes of Tom De Koning, Sam Docherty, Brodie Kemp, Mitch McGovern and Nic Newman to new deals.
All six of Carlton's newly signed names are expected to make the trip north to face Brisbane next Saturday evening in what will be the Blues' first preliminary final since 2000.
