The picks are in for The Carlton Draft, with a six pack of AFL greats heading to country footy leagues across Victoria to help bring the passion back to local footy in 2023.

Six deserving clubs were recently selected from a pool of more than 300 hopefuls and will secure a boost for their local communities when the star draftees lace up their boots for their clubs this season.

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Headlined by Draft Commissioner Jonathan Brown, each club selected their AFL great on a special FOX Footy broadcast last night ahead of the one-off games to be held in coming weeks. Highlights and match day analysis will be integrated into Fox Footy programming following each of the six games.

The first selection in The Carlton Draft saw Nilma Darnum Football Netball Club (Ellenbank District Football League) select 2003 Brownlow Medal winner Nathan Buckley. The former Collingwood captain and coach will don the red sash for the first time in his career instead of his usual black and white stripes.

Next, Fremantle games record holder and 2015 All-Australian David Mundy headed to Carngham Linton Football Netball Club in the Central Highlands Football League.

Four-time premiership Hawk Jordan Lewis will swap the brown and gold for the blue and white when he heads to Buchan Football Netball Club which competes in the Omeo & District Football Netball League.

Recently retired 2012 Premiership player and former Sydney Swans captain Josh Kennedy is bound for the Golden Rivers Football Netball League after being selected with the fourth pick by Murrabit Football Netball Club.

229-game veteran from Adelaide and Melbourne Bernie Vince was the fifth name to be called out, heading to the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League to play for Maryborough Rovers Football Netball Club.

And 2004 premiership player and outspoken media personality Kane Cornes will pull on the Port Adelaide colours once again for the Moyston Willaura Football Netball Club (Mininera & District Football Netball League) to round out the 2023 The Carlton Draft.

The final order of The Carlton Draft:

• Pick 1: Nathan Buckley, Nilma Darnum Football Netball Club
• Pick 2: David Mundy, Carngham Linton Football Netball Club
• Pick 3: Jordan Lewis, Buchan Football Netball Club
• Pick 4: Josh Kennedy, Murrabit Football Netball Club
• Pick 5: Bernie Vince, Maryborough Rovers Football Netball Club
• Pick 6: Kane Cornes, Moyston Willaura Football Netball Club

Number 1 draft pick and Nilma Darnum recruit Nathan Buckley said:

“I grew pretty used to wearing the black and white guernsey during my AFL playing days, so to change that to a black and red one will be an adjustment, but one I am excited for to give back to the footy club.

“There is a bit of pressure after being selected with the first pick and it was a shock when my name was read out, so hopefully I can get a few touches and help give the local community a much-needed boost.”

Sarah Wilcox, Carlton Draught Brand Director said:

“After seeing the success of last year’s inaugural The Carlton Draft campaign, we can’t wait to once again help bring the crowds and some extra passion to local Victorian footy, which forms the backbone of many communities across the state.

“Carlton Draught, along with our Victorian bottle shop and pub partners, value our long-standing association with grassroots footy. That’s why Carlton Draught has supported it for generations and plans to keep doing so for many more.”

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

Billy Cooke
M: 0452 461 499
E: bcooke@tlaworldwide.com

Aaron Buxton
M: 0422 579 820
E: abuxton@tlaworldwide.com