Richmond champion Trent Cotchin and Geelong and Hawthorn premiership player Isaac Smith have been revealed as the first set of names who will take part in 'The Carlton Draft' for 2024.
Entering its third year, The Carlton Draft is an initiative that sees retired AFL greats feature at the grassroots level, with local Victorian clubs able to enter the competition in the hope of having one of six famous names represent their club in a one-off game this year.
Past instalments have allowed the likes Nathan Buckley, Kane Cornes, David Mundy, Brendon Goddard and Eddie Betts, among others, to pull the boots back on in a bid to help give back to local clubs.
Seven premierships between them, Cotchin and Smith have been revealed as the first two names for the 2024 Carlton Draft, which will again be commissioned by Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown.
Having announced his retirement at the cessation of the 2023 AFL season, Smith - a 280-game AFL player with Hawthorn and Geelong - expressed his excitement to play again this year.
"I'm excited to be announced with Cotch as the first two nominees of The Carlton Draft in 2024, and am keen to pull on the boots one last time. I've only just retired, so hopefully I can get a few touches and help the team get a win," the 2022 Norm Smith Medal winner said in a statement.
"I'll be ready to do whatever the club needs for the day. Doesn't matter if it's a quick pep talk at three quarter time, being on lolly duty, or even putting up the goal post padding, you name it. I'm keen to give back to the club and local community in any way I can."
A triple premiership captain and Brownlow Medal winner with Richmond, Cotchin brings a wealth of experience after calling time on his 16-year career at Punt Road.
The 33-year-old said he's been keen to take part in The Carlton Draft since its inauguration, hoping to help the growth of local football.
"I've kept tabs on The Carlton Draft since it launched in 2022, and have always loved the concept of giving back to footy at a grassroots level wherever possible," Cotchin said.
"There have been some unbelievable results for local clubs with David Mundy last year and Daisy Thomas in 2022, so if I can replicate a performance like that I'll be stoked.
"Isaac and I are lucky we are still in pretty good nick after retiring at the end of last year, so we both should have plenty in the tank to offer whichever club selects us."
Local clubs from Victoria can lodge nominations for The Carlton Draft HERE, with entries closing on Friday, March 29.
