Darcy Vescio signs new two-year contract to remain at Carlton

Carlton has halted a string of key departures over the off-season, with a foundation player signing a significant new contract.

Carlton star Darcy Vescio has inked a new two-year deal to remain at the Blues. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Carlton has secured the signature of star forward Darcy Vescio for another two years in a major relief for fans following the departures of important senior players.

The first to reach 50 goals in AFLW history and the competition’s second all-time leading goalkicker, Vescio inked a new deal to remain at Carlton until the end of 2024.

Vescio’s re-signing is a silver lining among another frustrating off-season for the Blues, who only have eight players remaining on their list from the year of their preliminary final appearance in 2020.

Sydney snapped up midfielder Lucy McEvoy as a priority signing selection earlier this month, while Nat Plane, who along with Vescio was one of only four inaugural players remaining on Carlton’s list, departed via trade to St Kilda.

Blues football boss Brad Lloyd said Vescio was an “integral part” of the club’s AFLW program as a leader on and off the field.

Darcy Vescio has booted 55 goals in 58 games for Carlton, the equal second most of any player in AFLW history. Picture: Mark Stewart

“We are thrilled to have them remain with the club for a further two years,” Lloyd said.

“As one of our senior players, Darcy understands where we’ve been, where we want to get to and is determined to help build the program and lift standards from within.

“Darcy is relentless on-field and united in their approach off-field, which makes them an excellent representative for this club, and we look forward to creating more history together in the coming years.”

The retention of two time All-Australian Vescio will be important for the Blues’ stability after coach Daniel Harford and women’s football boss Brett Munro were both moved on following a review of the club’s AFLW program.

Key defender Harriet Cordner will play at her third AFLW club when she steps out for the Blues in 2023. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

Carlton traded Brooke Walker to Essendon on Friday for pick nine in next month’s draft while also exchanging Serena Gibbs for Fremantle forward Tahlia Read.

Key defender Harriet Cordner arrived from Richmond as part of the Plane trade, and the Blues also confirmed the signing of untried Irish duo Dayna Finn and Erone Fitzpatrick on Sunday.

Geelong pulled a big move on Monday, securing the No.1 pick in the draft from Sydney in exchange for inside midfielder Laura Gardiner.

The swap means Geelong will jump ahead of Hawthorn with the top draft pick in the Victorian pool, although this draft will not include players turning 18 this year as the league resets its draft eligibility following two seasons in 2022.

Originally published as Darcy Vescio signs new two-year contract to remain at Carlton