Carlton has announced that Will White will take his place on the club's list following the long-term injury to prized Pick 3 Jagga Smith.

White was invited to train with the Blues over the pre-season in the hope of receiving an AFL opportunity after impressing in the VFL for the club.

All hope looked lost when the Victorian powerhouse opted to sign former Port Adelaide forward Francis Evans last week.

However, Smith's anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear during Saturday's match simulation created a vacancy at Carlton, despite the pre-season selection period reaching its deadline the day before.

The AFL is set to extend the signing period for both the Blues and Melbourne - who will sign former Eagle Jai Culley - after Smith, along with Andy Moniz-Wakefield, were ruled out of the 2025 season following long-term injuries.

Carlton coach Michael Voss admitted it felt good to give White the opportunity.

"Someone's misfortune (is) someone else's fortune," Voss said.

"Important thing, as I said to Whitey is, when I got to tell him, is he actually deserves every bit of it.

"If you look at the work (he's done) and the commitment you've had, clearly you've gone about earning the respect from the boys by putting your head down and getting to work."

Head of List Management Nick Austin said White is a promising young talent but is ready for his AFL opportunity despite the "unique circumstance".

"We are pleased to be able to offer Will his chance at AFL level. He has come from our VFL program, which Luke Power and the coaches have done an exceptional job at leading, so he is familiar with our environment and has all the traits to thrive in it," Austin said.

"Will is a quick player and can shut down opponents on the run and is always happy to put in the repeat efforts to help his team.

"On the field Will is full of life; he is always bursting with energy and that's exactly how he is off the field as well.

"It is a unique circumstance in which Will has earned an opportunity but it is one we are looking forward to giving him every chance of taking with both hands."

White - who will wear No.38 - is one of 13 players who were signed during the 2024-25 SSP.

The Blues had ex-Hawthorn pair Denver Grainger-Barrasย andย Ethan Phillips, and VFL forward Liam McMahon at the club throughout the summer, but ultimately went with two small forwards.