THE CARLTON Football Club is thrilled to announce Michael Gibbons and Hugh Goddard have penned new deals with the Club, after the pair impressed in their first seasons in the Navy Blue.

Gibbons and Goddard will remain at Ikon Park until at least the end of the 2020 season after signing new one-year rookie contracts.

Gibbons, a two-time VFL Liston Trophy winner, arrived at the Club as a rookie through the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period.

The 23-year-old quickly found his feet at AFL level, debuting in Round 1 against Richmond at the MCG. He went on to average 15 disposals and three tackles, while also kicking 16 goals in 21 appearances during his first year.

Gibbons said he is looking forward to continuing his career at Carlton.

“I am stoked to re-sign, playing at the elite level has always been my dream and I’m looking forward to working hard with a full pre-season to take my game to the next level,” Gibbons said.

“This year has been a whirlwind and a real eye-opener to how hard you have to work to compete at the highest level.

“Running out in front of the Carlton faithful still gives me goosebumps every time, the atmosphere at all our games this year has been electric. I am really driven and prepared to put in the work, to help us achieve success and personally I want to have a long career in the Navy Blue.”

This is how much it means.



Go behind the scenes and witness the raw emotion of Michael Gibbons and Matthew Cottrell realising their dream. #BoundByBlue — Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) February 8, 2019

Goddard joined the Club with pick No.1 in the 2018 NAB AFL Rookie Draft and made his Carlton debut against Sydney at the SCG in Round 17, on the back of outstanding form with the Northern Blues in the VFL.

Goddard said he was excited to recommit to the Club for next year.

“I am rapt to re-sign with the Club, we have an exciting group that is really enjoying the challenge of taking the Club forward,” Goddard said.

“The Blues showed so much faith in me, taking a chance on me and I can’t wait to continue to work hard to repay the faith.

“I have enjoyed working with Dale Amos and Shane Watson and I look forward to continuing my defensive craft alongside Weiters, Jonesy, Marchy, Plow and the entire backline group.”

Carlton General Manager of List Management and Strategy Stephen Silvagni said the Club has been impressed with what it has seen from Gibbons and Goddard this season.

“Gibbo and Hugh walked into our football club with a point to prove and their professionalism and work ethic impressed us all, right from day one,” Silvagni said.

“Both guys have made the most of their opportunity at AFL level and have fit in really well into our system. We are looking forward to seeing them continue to develop and hone their craft next season.”