Carlton Draft 2025: Where ex-AFL names have landed

Five former AFL guns including a recently retired Cat and arguably the greatest Docker of all-time have discovered where they’ll next pull on the boots.

Former Richmond and GWS gun Brett Deledio (left) and recently retired Geelong superstar Tom Hawkins will make their respective returns to the footy field this year. Both have been named in the Carlton Draft which sends ex-AFL guns back to local footy for one-off appearances.

Five former AFL guns are returning to local footy as part of a popular new initiative.

Travis Cloke, Brett Deledio, Tom Hawkins, Matthew Pavlich and Will Schofield were all drafted in the fourth edition of the Carlton Draft on Wednesday night.

With pick one, Central Highlands league club Beaufort, about 30 minutes west of Ballarat, selected recently retired Cats star TomHawkins.

The Crows have won just two games since the start of the 2023 season.

Hawkins said Tuesday’s draft was very different to what he experienced to start his AFL career.

“In 2006 I got drafted to the Cats and I knew I was going as a father-son,” he said.

“I was already in Geelong at my host family’s place. I knew the first person that the Cats took, that person would be living with me. My draft day experience wasn’t really that exciting.

“To be here, not knowing where you’re going, it was really cool.”

Hawkins has already played one game of local footy this year, pulling on the boots for hometown club Finley in the Murray league on Good Friday.

The Cats’ star enjoyed a day out with four goals.

“There was something about the game for Finley, it’s my local team,” he said.

“I really enjoyed it. The Beaufort president hit the nail on the head and what these teams mean to the area and what football clubs mean.

“It’s always been a concept I’ve loved watching from afar and I’ve got the opportunity to be part of it this year.”

Tom Hawkins is heading to Beaufort. Pic: Michael Klein

Coleambally, a Farrer league club in New South Wales, selected former Richmond and GWS star BrettDeledio.

It’s been a fine fortnight for the Blues who have won their last two matches, the same number of games they won in 2024.

“I’m excited to give back to the community more than anything,” Deledio said.

“I think it’s a great initiative to get former (AFL) players back to local communities who might be struggling. To try and generate some interest and some incomes for the footy clubs and community, is what I’m most excited for.

“I know how hard it’s going to be, I played a couple of games last year and how bad I pulled up.”

The South West District League’s Heathmere went with the power forward route also, picking Travis Cloke.

The move sees Cloke, who played four games of country footy last season, return to the black and white with the club known as the Magpies.

He declared he will have a shot if he’s “within 70”.

“I’ll handball within 20m because those are the ones I missed,” Cloke joked.

Travis Cloke as a Pie. Picture:Wayne Ludbey

BeverleyRedbacks, from Western Australia’s Avon Football and Netball Association, went with the tried and trusted local talent, selecting MatthewPavlich with the fourth pick.

The Redbacks won just two games in 2024.

With the last selection, Hill End and Grove Rovers, from the Mid Gippsland league, grabbed former West Coast defender WillSchofield.

For the first time, the campaign run by Carlton Draught and Carlton Dry is extending beyond Victoria into New South Wales and Western Australia.

Dates for the player’s appearances are yet to be confirmed.

Originally published as Carlton Draft 2025: Where ex-AFL names have landed