Ash Close has been announced as the new development coach at Carlton for 2026.
Close joins the Ikon Park club with over 15 years of experience in the football landscape, which included a decade at Collingwood as an analyst and development coach.
He has also spent time working with Coates Talent League clubs Eastern Ranges and Oakleigh Chargers.
Close also played for the Pies' VFL unit as well as Gippsland league powerhouse Morewell in 2014.
"I couldn't be more pumped to be joining the Blues as a development coach," Close said.
"I have a real passion in developing up-and-coming talent and believe Carlton has a core group of young players now emerging who can really take the Club forward. I can't wait to build a strong connection with every one of them and get to work on making sure they maximise their potential and represent the Club at the elite level.
"I am all in on the direction of this club: the football department is certainly going to have a fresh look about it come day one of pre-season, so I'm keen to play my role alongside Jordan and the rest of the team in empowering this group of players we have coming through."
Carlton GM Chris Davies was "happy" the club was able to add someone of Close's calibre to the mix.
"With over 15 years of experience in the football environment, including 10 of those in the AFL system, Ash brings a wealth of knowledge, professionalism and a strong track record in developing talent," Davies said.
"He will be a great asset to our football program, bringing a skillset that perfectly complements our existing coaches. We're excited about the impact he'll have on the growth of our emerging players and the broader team.
"Ash's appointment is another step towards a fresh approach for our football program heading into 2026, with a coaching group that is well-rounded, experienced and aligned, with a focus on supporting our playing group to get the absolute most out of themselves when representing our football club."
Close joins Josh Fraser, Leigh Adams and Damian Truslove as new faces to the Carlton coaching group for the 2026 AFL season.
