LIAM STOCKER will remain at Ikon Park for at least the next three years after signing a new deal with the Club.

The 19-year-old has put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension that will see him in the Navy Blue until at least the end of 2022.

He joins fellow 2018 draftee Sam Walsh in committing to the Club long-term.

Stocker arrived at Carlton via pick No.19 in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft after winning the Morrish Medal as the NAB League’s best and fairest player.

He impressed the Club from the moment he walked through the door with his ability to win the ball on the inside but also showcase his class on the outside with his elite foot skills on both sides of the body.

Stocker’s class was evident earlier in the season, impressing in his first three VFL matches for the Northern Blues to earn himself an AFL debut in Round 7 against North Melbourne.

The teenager showed calmness and physicality across half back that were beyond his years, as he averaged 14 disposals and 13 pressure acts in his first five AFL games. A foot injury took him out of the side however he returned to finish the year strongly in the VFL.

ICYMI.



Liam Stocker speaks in-depth about his debut season, dealing with the attention, a future in the midfield and the way forward.#BoundByBlue — Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) September 15, 2019

Stocker said he loved every minute of his first AFL season and could not wait to take his development to the next level in 2020.

“It’s great that the Club believes in me, I am loving my time in the Navy Blue and am really excited to be part of what we are building here,” Stocker said.

“When you walk into this Club you realise how special it is to wear the guernsey, I can’t put it into words the moment I first wore it against North.

“We have a really exciting midfield group here at the Club and I am loving the chance to learn from those experienced guys in the middle but also down back as well.

“I am just focused on becoming the best player I can possibly be for this football club and doing everything I can to makes us successful over the next three seasons.”

Carlton General Manager of List Management and Strategy Stephen Silvagni said the Club was excited to extend Stocker’s deal.

“We rate Liam really highly and this year his effort and intensity to the program saw him fit into our system and earn his debut early in the season,” Silvagni said.

“Those five games of AFL will give Liam huge motivation to work hard over the summer to give himself every chance for greater opportunity at the elite level in 2020.

“We look forward to seeing his development unfold and we know our members and supporters will enjoy watching Liam emerge over the next three years.”