Some of the biggest names in the AFL will come out of retirement to support grassroots footy as Carlton Draught rolls out the latest instalment of “The Carlton Draft’. 

Three-time premiership Lion Jonathan Brown will continue as Draft Commissioner, with Brown again in charge of recruiting six footy legends to pull on the boots for a one-off appearance.  

In 2024, triple-premiership Tigers captain Trent Cotchin will headline The Carlton Draft.  

After retiring at the end of the 2023 season following a decorated career, including 306 games and a Brownlow Medal in 2012, Cotchin will play his final game for a lucky Victorian club.  

Joining Cotchin in The Carlton Draft is four-time flag hero across the Hawks and Cats, Isaac Smith. With 280 games and a 13-year AFL career, including the 2022 Norm Smith Medal, Smith is sure to be a brilliant addition to any club that selects him. 

Whether it’s dominating in the midfield or bringing the half-time oranges, Cotchin, Smith and the 2024 draft class will have plenty to offer the local clubs that select them this year, with the remaining talent pool to be announced in the coming weeks. 

Since launching in 2022, The Carlton Draft has helped generate huge crowds as local footy fans flock to see legends of the game pull on a jumper for grassroots clubs across Victoria. 

The 2023 draft saw four of the six local clubs get much-needed wins on the board with the help of a retired AFL star. Bernie Vince kicked eight majors, David Mundy booted six, while Josh Kennedy dominated with a best-on-ground performance in a gritty four-point victory.  

Nathan Buckley went down with a hamstring injury early in his match but put on a coaching masterclass, with his appearance bringing over 3000 people through the gates in a historic day for the Nilma Darnum Football Netball Club.  

Entries for the 2024 Carlton Draft across Victoria are now open. To nominate your club head to http://www.thecarltondraft.com.au. Entries close March 29, with six winning clubs announced in early April. 

The Carlton Draft matchdays will commence from mid-May.  

The Carlton Draft, Draft Commissioner Jonathan Brown said:  

“Carlton Draught is synonymous with footy and The Carlton Draft 2024 continues our long history of supporting the great game. 

 “Six lucky clubs across Victoria will get six absolute superstars lining up for them this year, drawing in big crowds and providing a financial boost. 

“Having Trent and Isaac launch the campaign this year showcases the depth of talent for the 2024 draft crop. I’ve been hard at work recruiting and can’t wait to reveal what other stars we have locked in to return to the footy field for this year”. 

The Carlton Draft nominee Trent Cotchin said: 

 “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. 

 “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.” 

 The Carlton Draft nominee Isaac Smith said: 

“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. 

“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”.  

The Carlton Draft – where the participating clubs select their player – will be held at The Pub at Crown Melbourne in late April, with Crown this year giving adult fans the chance to win tickets to the launch event.  

To enter, purchase one Carlton Draught pint at Crown’s The Pub, Jackpot Bar, Velvet Bar, Lumia Bar, Sports Bar, Diamond Bar, Echostate, or Double Up Bar and receive a game card with a QR code. Scan the QR code and fill in the details for your chance to win.  

There will be 25 double passes to the unique launch event, with winners announced in early April. 

Carlton & United Breweries, Head of Classic Beer Brands Sarah Wilcox said:  

“We’re excited to continue strengthening  Carlton Draught’s connection to local footy. Regardless of the match outcomes, all clubs can celebrate every game with a Carlton Draught. 

“We’re proud to be working again with the AFL, AFL Community, Fox Footy and the retired players on this important initiative.” 

Clubs that are not selected for this year’s draft can still win plenty of prizes. Go into any participating independent liquor retailer and purchase a specially marked case of Carlton Draught – for the chance to win $10,000 for yourself and $10,000 for your club. There are three $20,000 total prize packs to be won, with thousands of $20 sports vouchers also up for grabs.