Former million-dollar man cut loose by Carlton
Carlton has shown five players the door with the club confirming a former million-dollar player is among those delisted for the AFL season.
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Former million-dollar player Jack Martin has been cut loose at Carlton as the Blues announced the departures of five players on Friday.
After proving no-match for the Lions in their elimination final at the Gabba, the Blues have turned their attention to the Trade Period and national draft.
The club on Friday confirmed Martin, David Cuningham, Caleb Marchbank, Alex Mirkov and Dom Akuei were not offered new contracts and have been delisted.
It is the decision to show Martin the door that will raise eyebrows after the club famously chased his signature hard during 2019 trade negotiations with Gold Coast.
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With the Blues enjoying a huge salary cap hole in 2020, Martin was able to command an opening-year salary of a reported $1 million in a front ended, five year deal.
The 29-year-old missed 18 games during the 2024 season through injury.
He made 54 appearances for the Blues across five seasons.
According to reports, clubs in Victoria and Perth are interested in signing Martin. He was sighted in Perth last week where it was reported he had undergone a medical test with Fremantle.
Martin’s departure will give the Blues salary cap space to be active in the 2024 Trade Period.
The Blues thanked Martin and credited him for showing “resilience” during his time at the club.
Carlton Head of List Management Nick Austin said in a statement: “David and Caleb have persevered through adversity throughout their extended careers at Carlton.
“Their resolve to continue to front up and give themselves every chance to overcome each challenge is a testament to them and will hold them in good stead with whatever the step is that they choose to take.
“Jack also showed a resilient mindset through his five seasons and has made some lasting friendships at the football club, while Alex and Dom brought great energy around the Club over their time with us, each earning their opportunity to be part of an AFL program via unique pathways.
“We thank all five players for their commitment during their time in Navy Blue.”
Cuningham played 58 games across nine seasons for the Blues, after being selected with pick No.23 in the 2015 national draft.
Marchbank, a luckless key defender, made 56 appearances in Navy Blue after being acquired in a trade with GWS.
Neither Markov or Akuei made AFL appearances during their time at the Blues.
Originally published as Former million-dollar man cut loose by Carlton
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