The Carlton Blues have opted to part ways with contracted midfielders Jaxon Binns and Elijah Hollands, while Will White has also been informed he won’t be offered a deal.
Hollands and White will be considered for pre-season train-on opportunities following the 2025 National Draft in November.
Binns and the Blues have come to an agreement that sees the 32nd pick in the 2022 National Draft depart Ikon Park after just eight senior games, five of which came in 2025.
He was rewarded with a significant contract extension in 2023 despite failing to crack the AFL side, dominating at VFL level where he won the club’s state-level best-and-fairest award.
The arrivals of key recruits Campbell Chesser (West Coast), Ben Ainsworth (Gold Coast), Will Hayward and Ollie Florent (Sydney) knocked Binns further down Carlton’s pecking order in the engine room for 2026, meaning his opportunities for senior football would continue to be limited.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 27: Jaxon Binns of the Blues trains during a Carlton Blues AFL training session at Ikon Park on November 27, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)
Binns was infamously the target of one of Michael Voss’ many sprays in a dismal year for Carlton, copping some intense feedback during the Blues’ stunning Round 15 loss to North Melbourne. It would be the final game of his tenure at Carlton.
Hollands crossed from Gold Coast on the final day of the 2023 trade period, and made a blistering start at his new club, playing 22 games in his maiden season.
However, personal off-field troubles derailed the 23-year-old’s career, limiting his output to five matches in 2025, and subsequently putting his place on Carlton’s list in jeopardy.
Hollands was contracted for 2026, but will now have to bide his time and prove himself as a train-on option at Ikon Park.
White joined the Blues through the SSP period at the start of this year following extraordinary form in the club’s reserves outfit.
The small forward played 14 games, and like Hollands, will get a chance to stake his claim as an AFL player over the summer.
“These are always difficult decisions, but after careful consideration, we’ve decided this is what is best for the Club and our list strategy moving forward,” Carlton Head of List Management Nick Austin said.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 27: Elijah Hollands of the Blues trains during a Carlton Blues AFL training session at Ikon Park on November 27, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)
“We wish Jaxon all the best, and while we are not currently able to guarantee Elijah and Will a list spot for 2026, we will consider them both for train-on opportunities during the pre-season once the draft in November is completed.”
Calls on Flynn Young and Harry Charleson are yet to be confirmed by the club, although it is understood that the former has signed a one-year extension.
Mitch McGovern also penned a new deal worth 12 months after waiting nervously through the trade and free agency period.
