The Carlton Draft is back for 2025, with Tom Hawkins, Brett Deledio and Matthew Pavlich today revealed as the headline recruits who are coming out of retirement to boost grassroots footy this season. 

First launched in 2022, The Carlton Draft gives footy clubs a dream chance to draft an iconic former AFL star. Pulling their boots back on for special one-off matchdays, the legendary players help bring communities together to support local footy and leave the clubs thriving on and off the field. 

 This year, The Carlton Draft is heading beyond Victoria thanks to the involvement of Carlton Dry, opening up to clubs in Western Australia and New South Wales for the first time. 

 To help take this year’s expanded Draft to the next level, former player-turned-podcaster Dylan Buckley has opened his contacts book and come on board as official Draft Recruiter, joining Draft Commissioner Jonathan Brown after being nominated as a player himself in 2024. 

Working together, the duo has secured Geelong’s legendary three-time flag winner, Tom Hawkins, who will return to local footy as part of The Carlton Draft after bringing the curtain down on his decorated 359-game career last season. 

Hawkins is joined by another iconic former forward in Matthew Pavlich, who will make his comeback almost nine years after the last of his 353 games for Fremantle, spearheading The Carlton Draft’s introduction to WA. 

Rounding out the initial nominees, Brett Deledio’s versatility across the park will make him an elite pick-up for one lucky club and, with the Draft’s expansion to NSW, the former Richmond star could return to the state where he ended his career with GWS in 2019.  

Winning clubs can expect their Draft picks to help them kick goals on and off the field, with The Carlton Draft matchdays drawing bumper crowds as fans flock to see their heroes up close. Two further star nominees will be revealed in the coming weeks. 

Entries for The Carlton Draft 2025 are now open. To nominate your club, head to http://www.thecarltondraft.com.au. Entries close on 18 March with five winning clubs to be announced in late March – three in Victoria, one in Western Australia and one in New South Wales. 

The Carlton Draft night, when the winning clubs select their star players, will be held in late April before The Carlton Draft 2025 matchdays commence from May. 

The Carlton Draft’s Recruiter, Dylan Buckley, said:  

“I’m really excited to be involved in The Carlton Draft again as we go bigger and better this year, with entries now open to clubs across Victoria, Western Australia and New South Wales. 

“I loved being drafted as a player last year but in all honesty, my skills are probably better suited to recruiting. The brief from Browny was clear – we need more goals from our Draft stars this season, so go out and sign some power forwards. 

“There haven’t been many better than Tom Hawkins and Matthew Pavlich and I’m stoked they’ve answered the call. Hawk comes to us fresh and only a few months into retirement, while Pav is still in great shape – I’m expecting them both to dominate the air and kick plenty of majors. 

“Then Deledio is someone I know very well and, as a former Giant, he’s perfect to take The Carlton Draft into New South Wales. What can I say about his talents – I can guarantee he’ll run a lot.” 

The Carlton Draft nominee, Tom Hawkins, said: 

“Everyone knows my passion for local footy, so when I got the call from Dyl and Browny to join this year’s Carlton Draft, it was an easy decision. I’ve loved seeing some of my great mates and old rivals getting back on the park in the last few years – the crowds have been unbelievable.

“They say you’re a long time retired and after only a few months, I can understand why. I still feel like I’ve got a lot to offer and I’m excited to see where I’m drafted, then get out there and play my best footy. I’m sure it will be a special day.” 

Jessica Johnson, Marketing Manager of Carlton, said:  

“After three exceptional years supporting local footy clubs across Victoria, we’re excited to launch our biggest and best Carlton Draft yet.  

“By bringing Carlton Dry and Carlton Draught together to support the campaign, we’re able to take it to more local clubs than ever before – not just in Victoria but across Western Australia and New South Wales. 

“With such an iconic lineup of talent, I know fans will pack out their local ovals for games that will live long in the memory. Ultimately, the Carlton Draft is about uniting local clubs with their communities because, like Carlton Draught and Carlton Dry, footy is always better together.”