Carlton re-list defender Matt Carroll as VFL bolter challenges Denver Grainger-Barras for list spot

Carlton have handed out one of their remaining list spots, but a battle between a VFL livewire and a former Hawk is on for the final lifeline. JON RALPH and PAUL AMY have more.

Carlton has handed mid-sized defender Matt Carroll a football lifeline with a new contract as the Blues assess the prospects of livewire VFL bolter Will White and Hawks cast-off Denver Grainger-Barras.

Carroll was delisted by the Blues last year after a torrid run with injury in 2024 but a huge summer for the 19-year-old versatile defender has earned him a rookie listing under the supplemental summer period mechanism.

Carlton still has another spot open on its list and has the option of officially ending Nic Newman’s season to hand the club another list opening.

But the Blues are emphatic that they will give Newman the chance to rehab his knee and would only put him on the long-term injury list to clear a list spot in the days before the mid-season draft if it was clear his prospects of a 2025 return were nil.

Matthew Carroll. Picture: Getty Images

Former Hawks top ten pick Grainger-Barras and former Collingwood listed forward Liam McMahon are both officially trialling for a vacant SSP spot, with No.6 draft pick Grainger-Barras delisted by Hawthorn after a disappointing stint.

Grainger-Barras’ endurance has always been an issue and he struggled to stand out across the club’s running drills over summer.

But since the club moved to 18-on-18 match simulation he has gained ground on his rival contenders ahead of official practice matches ahead in coming weeks.

Clubs have until February 19 to make final calls on summer rookie spots and the Blues are in no hurry.

Denver Grainger-Barras is fighting for a list spot. Picture: Getty Images)

The club has let go of former defender Sam Durdin, who will no longer train for an SSP spot.

White is not officially in the running for a rookie listing but has raised eyebrows with his impressive form over summer.

He has trained as a top-up with the club over much of summer and Blues track watchers have been excited by his progress.

He came through as one of their bright hopes in the VFL last year, debuting in Round 1 and going onto play every game for the season.

White, from South Warrnambool, kicked 21 goals from his 18 games, including a hat-trick of three-goal performances. He ran third in the VFL Blues’ best and fairest and was judged their best young player.

Carlton could still decide to leave a list spot open over summer but has lost valuable depth given the club lost Jack Martin and Matt Owies and has seen Newman go down over summer.

Blues list boss Austin said Carroll’s story was a victory for perseverance.

“Matt is a really promising defender and for someone who’s still just 19 years of age, we couldn’t have been more impressed with how he has gone about this pre-season: he’s earned his spot back on the list,” he said.

“He had a tough year last year, hampered by injury, but has shown a great level of determination and maturity in the way he has gone about his rehab program.

“Having been here all last year, Matt has already grown a great connection with the coaches and players: he has continued to train with us over the pre-season and has impressed since day one.”

Originally published as Carlton re-list defender Matt Carroll as VFL bolter challenges Denver Grainger-Barras for list spot