CARLTON, a finalist over the last two seasons, pulled off a trade heist to get its hands on pick three in this year’s draft, headlining a haul which will allow the club to remain competitive now and for years to come. We recap the Blues’ selections, which were littered with links to Princes Park.

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DRAFT HAUL

National Draft:

3. Jagga Smith
40. Harry O’Farrell
43. Ben Camporeale (F/S, matched Geelong’s bid)
54. Lucas Camporeale (F/S, matched Sydney’s bid)

Rookie Draft

9. Harry Charleson

>> CLICK each player’s names for full profiles & highlights

Carlton was thrilled at the opportunity to recruit another high-end midfield talent with pick three, and ended up taking the number one player on its draft board in Jagga Smith. The Oakleigh Chargers product is arguably the most bankable player in the crop and set a remarkable level of consistency.

Smith’s leadership quality is something the Blues valued highly and he offers a handy point of difference to the side’s engine room. His quick feet, light running frame and ability to accumulate possessions make him a threat both on the inside and outside, akin to Carlton’s last top five pick, Sam Walsh.

There was some conjecture among Blues fans regarding what type of player would be best to target. Sid Draper was a name put forward for his searing pace and extended senior exposure, though Smith’s exposed form throughout the year provides the kind of safety clubs want in such a high-end selection.

Carlton was able to make a second selection before bids on its father-son nominees came through. Having had eyes on a developing key defender, lifelong Bagger Harry O’Farrell was snapped up with pick 40. Much like those who came after him, O’Farrell has pertinent links to Princes Park.

The Calder Cannons product is the son of Peter, who famously represented Carlton in the appeal which saw Patrick Cripps cleared before going on to win the Brownlow Medal in 2022. He’ll be keen to make his own mark on the club, though, after a couple of untimely injury setbacks this year.

O’Farrell, who is capable of playing at either end of the ground, impressed most with his attack on the ball down back. The Blues were also enamoured by his skillset in that he can rebound with his run and foot skills. He’ll be a long-term talent to develop behind Jacob Weitering and Nick Haynes.

Then came the Camporeale twins. Ben, who is set to don father Scott‘s number 16, yielded a bid at pick 43 when Geelong entered the fold in chaotic fashion. The Blues love his competitiveness and rate him as an inside midfielder whose power, clean hands, and running capacity hold up well.

Fittingly, wingman Lucas will don Craig Bradley‘s old number 21 jersey. Carlton was happy to reward his junior form with a spot on the senior list, matching Sydney’s bid at pick 54. A left-footer to compliment his right-footed brother, Lucas holds his width and runs intelligent patterns.

With a well stocked midfield for the long-term, Carlton rounded out its haul with a single rookie selection – Harry Charleson. The GWV Rebels product is a half-back with neat foot skills who shows good courage overhead. He’s the brother of 2023 Port Adelaide draftee Lachlan.