Carlton is in no rush to decide on its final list spot for 2026, with the Blues to consider other options as two ex-players train with the club amid the Supplemental Selection Period.
The Blues left one vacancy in the squad after the draft window, utilising the SSP for train-on talent before finalising their list for next year.
Carlton welcomed back delisted pair Elijah Hollands and Will White to “fight” for that contract, giving the Blues some flexibility with their list for the future.
Hollands, who initially had a contract for 2026, is looking to keep his career alive following a stint with the Blues that has been heavily impacted by off-field issues.
White joined the Blues’ list from their VFL program via last summer’s SSP, with his promotion coming after an exemption from the league in the wake of Jagga Smith’s ACL injury during a pre-season match.
The 21-year-old made 14 appearances under Michael Voss, adding to a changing forward line at Princes Park.
The Blues will continue to have Hollands and White training within their pre-season program for 2026 before making a call on their last list spot, however a decision is still some time away.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 09: Elijah Hollands of the Blues warms up ahead of the round nine AFL match between St Kilda Saints and Carlton Blues at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on May 09, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/Getty Images)
AFL clubs have until February 20 to sign players via the SSP, with Carlton to also consider other train-on prospects in that timeframe.
“Both of those players, at the moment, are training on. We have one list spot that we’re contemplating filling. But we’re not going to do that anytime soon,” football boss Chris Davies informed fans at a recent club Q&A.
“We want to see some more work from both of those players, and we’ll consider others when we’re thinking about that final list spot and who fills it.
“Elijah clearly has capabilities as a player at a high level. His other challenges have been documented.
“Will is certainly a person who brings significant energy to the group, and I’ve enjoyed watching him as well.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 09: Will White of the Blues celebrates kicking a goal during the round nine AFL match between St Kilda Saints and Carlton Blues at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on May 09, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/Getty Images)
“There’s a bit of a fight on for those two, and that won’t be a bad thing for our club either.”
White was one of three players signed by the Blues through last year’s SSP, with Matthew Carroll also earning a reprieve after being delisted by the club months earlier. Carlton also handed a career lifeline to Francis Evans, who had been cut by Port Adelaide the same off-season.
Ex-AFL trio Sam Durdin, Liam McMahon and Denver Grainger-Barras were also considered during the SSP, with the latter duo playing for the Blues’ VFL side after being overlooked.
Clubs can have two train-on players per open list spot, with those players to earn no less than $1000 per week while training.
Teams can opt to keep a list spot open at the conclusion of the SSP, with those vacancies then held over for the Mid-Season Draft.
