The picks are in: Six local footy clubs welcome AFL legends for 'The Carlton Draft' 2026
Six lucky footy clubs have each drafted an AFL legend to join them for a special match day as part of this year’s edition of The Carlton Draft.
Hosted by Carlton Draft alumni Dale ‘Daisy’ Thomas and recruiter Dylan Buckley, representatives from the Tamworth Kangaroos AFC, Tamworth Swans AFNC, Newbridge FNC, Bridgewater FNC, Denmark Walpole FC and Royals FC gathered at the Palace Hotel in Camberwell, Melbourne for Draft night, welcoming their newest recruits in style.
In line with this year’s theme – rivalry – one team from each state had the choice to draft one of two former AFL players, with the other to line up for their nominated rivals.
Newbridge FNC - as the successful Carlton Draft applicant from Victoria - were allocated the first Victorian pick and unsurprisingly drafted dual Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett Jr. Situated near the Loddon River, the club has recovered from two major floods in the past 15 years.
They will line up against arch rivals, Bridgewater FNC who welcomed Ablett’s former teammate and 2022 Premiership Cat, Gary Rohan to the helm.
West Coast’s all-time leading goalkicker Josh Kennedy was drafted with the first Western Australian selection of the evening, heading to Denmark Walpole FC from the Great Southern Football League.
His 2018 Premiership teammate, speedster Lewis Jetta will line up for their game day opponents Royals FC.
Finally, former Essendon captain Dyson Heppell will head to the Tamworth Kangaroos from AFL North West NSW. As for their local rivals, the Swans, they secured the services of triple premiership Hawk Josh Gibson.
The two sides will go head-to-head later this month, with the winner taking home the Billy Holder Cup.
The 2026 Carlton Draft results are as follows: VIC: Loddon Valley Football Netball League Gary Ablett Jr, Newbridge Football Netball Club Gary Rohan, Bridgwater Football Netball Club WA: Great Southern Football League Josh Kennedy, Denmark Walpole FC Lewis Jetta, Royals FC NSW: AFL North West NSW Dyson Heppell, Tamworth Kangaroos AFC Josh Gibson, Tamworth Swans AFNC
Each of the six recruits will line up for their new clubs in the coming months, with more announcements about this to follow soon.
The Carlton Draft nominee, Gary Ablett Jr said: “I’m grateful to be part of the line up for The Carlton Draft this year.
“Draft night has been heaps of fun, highlighted by the excitement shared by the six participating clubs. Knowing how much this means to them, and to their local communities is what The Carlton Draft is all about.
“I can’t wait to get out there, meet my new teammates and hopefully notch up a victory for Newbridge.
“Above all, I hope that we can bring the communities together for truly special match day; one that the clubs will remember for a long time to come.”
Newbridge Football Netball Club Treasurer, Chris Dixon said: “We are truly honoured to be participating in this year’s Carlton Draft.
“The opportunity for the club to be in the room with some of the AFL’s greatest names for a day is incredible.
“It’s been a tough few years at Newbridge since we won our last Senior flag. We’ve survived two floods and haven’t seen a lot of success on field, but our fighting spirit only grows each year.
“Words can’t explain how much this will mean for our club, from the players, staff, volunteers, and supporters. The excitement, morale and fundraising that this game will generate for our community will have an everlasting impact.”
Denmark Walpole Football Club President, Sam Keenan said: “The Carlton Draft is a great initiative, and we are thrilled to be part of it.
“We’re battlers, and we have been for a large portion of recent history, but it’s moments like this, to welcome an AFL legend to the helm and pull on the jumper, that make the tough times worth it.
“Local footy means so much to the community as a whole and is a wonderful way to bring people together. To join forces with our rivals for the day and set our differences aside for the greater good of footy in Southern WA is a worthy cause.”
Tamworth Kangaroos Volunteer, Chris Rankmore said: “The rivalry between us and the Swans is alive and real. No matter where we sit on the ladder, each game is passionate and fiery… everything is left out on the field.
“The Carlton Draft not only allows us to bring this famous fixture into the spotlight, but it’ll be enhanced with Dyson and Josh out on the field.
“To be one of six clubs representing local footy across Australia in this year’s Draft is special and truly means a lot to us.”
