Carlton Draught is excited to launch The Carlton Draft – a campaign that will see eight AFL legends recruited to play for local Victorian clubs.

The Carlton Draft will help local clubs get back on their feet after the toughest period in recent memory, bringing together Victorian communities and encouraging them to come to support local footy.

Headlined by Draft Commissioner and three-time premiership Lion Jonathan Brown, the playing pool sees some of the AFLs finest answering the call to arms. This already includes three-time premiership Hawk Jarryd Roughead, four-time Goal of the Year winner Eddie Betts, recently retired Demon and 300-gamer Nathan Jones, and 2010 Collingwood premiership player Dale Thomas.

Click here for The Carlton Draft campaign launch film.
Click here for rights-free campaign imagery for editorial.
Click here for VNR from Draft Commissioner Jonathan Brown and The Carlton Draft nominee Dale Thomas.

The Carlton Draft continues Carlton Draught’s long tradition of supporting grassroots footy clubs. The ex-AFL stars will put the boots back on for a local club for one match in the regular home-and-away season in 2022.

Entries for local footy clubs across Victoria are now open. To nominate your club for The Carlton Draft, head to www.thecarltondraft.com.au. Entries close March 27 with eight lucky clubs announced in early April.

The Carlton Draft will be broadcast live on Fox Footy on April 27, with matchdays to commence from April 30.

Winning clubs will get a unique matchday experience when the community unites to watch an AFL legend play alongside the local legends.

Speaking on the launch of The Carlton Draft, Draft Commissioner Jonathan Brown said:

“Being a country Victorian boy myself, I know how hard it has been for many local communities throughout the last couple of years,”

“The Carlton Draft will be a campaign that unifies communities across Victoria, with eight lucky clubs getting the chance to have an ex-AFL legend lace up the boots and put on a show. I reckon a couple of them might finish with bruised egos and bodies but it’s going to be fun to watch.”

The Carlton Draft nominee and 300-game Melbourne veteran Nathan Jones said:

“I have always loved my local footy and I can’t wait to play my first game since retiring last year. I like to think I have kept myself in good nick so I can’t wait to help whichever club drafts me.”

Carlton & United Breweries, Classic Brands Marketing Director Hayden Turner said:

“Carlton Draught is a quintessential part of local football around Australia and has a long history of supporting grassroots footy. This initiative will make a real difference to the clubs and communities after a very challenging two years,”

“Watching these legends of the game get drafted, then go head-to-head with local footballers is going to be incredible. Whatever the outcome, we can’t wait to have a couple of Carlton Draughts with all the players post-match,”

“Carlton Draught is very proud to have worked closely with the AFL, Fox Footy and the players to ensure this is brought to life and that local footy clubs are supported. Cheers to all our partners for their support to date.”

– ENDS –

For interview requests with playing talent and/or The Carlton Draft spokespeople please contact TLA on behalf of Carlton & United Breweries:

Patrick Lucarelli
M: 0410 038 824
E: Plucarelli@tlaworldwide.com