Trent Cotchin, Isaac Smith set to headline 2024 Carlton Draft

Leigh Montagna hasn't played local footy since 2018 and when he returns to the field, he wants to keep it simple.

Dylan Buckley will feature in the Carlton Draft.

 

Former St Kilda star Leigh Montagna says he needs at least one highlight in his return to local footy this year.

The champion midfielder will play his first local footy game since 2018 when he takes part in the Carlton Draft.

On Wednesday, the 40-year-old was unveiled as the fifth draftee for this year’s local footy promotion.

“I’m a little nervous but it’s going to be good fun,” he said.

“We all wish we could play forever but unfortunately we can’t. It’s been good being able to watch a few other guys get involved, now it’s a chance for a bit of banter after I play.”

Montagna hasn’t played a game of footy since 2018.

He made a guest appearance for Ararat in a Good Friday clash before a one-off game with his brother at Marcellin.

“I’m not too sure how I’ll go,” he said.

“I’m probably not as fit as the boys who have just retired.

“I might need a big first half. Hopefully I can get a few kicks and we can raise some good money for the club.

“I need one highlight, one goal at least to go back with.”

Montagna said his love of local footy came from the community’s passion.

He’s hoping to help raise funds for the club who does select him.

Entries for the Carlton Draft close on Friday.

DYLAN BUCKLEY'S GOAL

Dylan Buckley has a clear goal in mind for his Carlton Draft experience in 2024.

Beat Kane Cornes.

The ex-Carlton and GWS man was unveiled as the fourth draftee ahead of this year’s local footy campaign earlier this week and he is determined to make an impact.

When he does take to the field, Buckley, who has had great success with his podcast Dyl and Friends, will feature in his first senior local footy game.

And beating Cornes, who he has had on as a podcast guest, is top of the list.

“It’s probably not hard to beat Kane Cornes when he had two kicks,” Buckley joked.

“I’m hoping to absolutely smash him but I’m also very wary lots of these guys are premiership players.

“I think I would have to have one of the worst resumes to get into one of these games.

“But I did say to Isaac Smith if I had teammates like him I could have played in four flags as well.”

The jovial figure who hasn’t played footy since leaving the AFL also has a simple message for clubs who will be involved in the draft.

“I’d say don’t,” Buckley jokingly said when asked what he would tell clubs when it came to selecting him.

“If you want anyone do actually do something on the field, then probably pick someone else.

“But if you want someone to come down and have a crack and bring a big community and have a fun night with beers, I’d say I’m your guy.”

Whatever the outcome, Buckley is keen to help raise money for the club who does select him.

“Definitely going to be testing myself getting back out there,” he said.

“It’s going to be interesting to see whether I put my head over the ball or just waiting out there on the wing for the easy uncontested footy.”

LLOYD INCLUDED IN THE DRAFT

Matthew Lloyd has been unveiled as this year's third Carlton Draft member.

The former Essendon captain and premiership star is set to add goalkicking prowess to the team where he ends up.

I am prepared to cop a few hits and bumps, but like my playing days I am determined not to squander the scoring opportunities for my teammates,” Lloyd said.

“I can’t wait to take a big grab or two, throw some grass in the air to test the breeze, and then slot one home.

“Despite hanging up my professional boots in 2009, I still have plenty left in the tank and have been training hard so that I can finish out four strong quarters for my new club.

“With my analysis of the current game and role in fostering the next generation of superstars, I hope to offer more than just my playing capabilities to The Carlton Draft.”

EARLIER

Two recently retired AFL stars will be plucked out of retirement for a local footy guest appearance later this year.

Richmond triple premiership captain Trent Cotchin and four-time time flag hero Isaac Smith have been unveiled as the first two recruits of the 2024 Carlton Draft local footy initiative.

The pair have been locked in as two of draft commissioner Jonathan Brown’s first two players as part of Carlton Draught’s campaign which sees AFL heroes pull on a jumper for grassroots clubs across Victoria.

Brown remains on the lookout for four other potential draftees with those players to be announced in the coming weeks.

Cotchin, who retired at the end of the last AFL season, said he had kept a close eye on some other former AFL players who had taken part in recent years.

“I’ve always loved the concept of giving back to footy at a grassroots level wherever possible,” he said.

“There have been some unbelievable results for local clubs with David Mundy last year and Daisy Thomas in 2022, so if I can replicate a performance like that I’ll be stoked.

“Isaac and I are lucky we are still in pretty good nick after retiring at the end of last year, so we both should have plenty in the tank to offer whichever club selects us.”

Smith, a well known big stage performer having won the 2022 Norm Smith Medal, said he wanted to make an impact on and off the field.

“I’ve only just retired, so hopefully I can get a few touches and help the team get a win,” he said.

“I’ll be ready to do whatever the club needs for the day. Doesn’t matter if it’s a quick pep talk at three-quarter-time, being on lolly duty, or even putting up the goalpost padding, you name it.”

Cotchin retired in 2023. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Smith after his last game last season. Photo by Michael Klein.

Brown, who is involved on the matchdays, said he was excited to see “big crowds” and help provide clubs with a “financial boost”.

“Having Trent and Isaac launch the campaign this year showcases the depth of talent for the 2024 draft crop,” he said.

“I’ve been hard at work recruiting and can’t wait to reveal what other stars we have locked in to return to the footy field for this year”.

Carlton and United Breweries head of classic beer brands Sarah Wilcox said the company was proud to “continue strengthening” its connection to local footy.

Entries for the 2024 Carlton Draft are now open and clubs can enter by visiting http://www.thecarltondraft.com.au.

Entries will close on March 29 with the six winning clubs to be announced in early April.

Matchdays will commence from mid-May.

For the first time, the Carlton Draft will be held live at Crown Melbourne with adults fans having the opportunity to attend.

More details can be found on the campaign’s website.