Carlton delists trio of footballers after finals heartbreak

Carlton has opted to delist three of its star footballers after the club failed to qualify for the finals for a tenth consecutive season.

Jack Newnes of the Blues. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

It hasn’t taken long for Carlton to swing the axe after last weekend’s heartbreak, opting not to offer three players new contracts for next season.

Jack Newnes, Oscar McDonald and Luke Parks have been delisted by the Blues, parting ways with the club after Sunday’s agonising one-point loss to Collingwood.

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Newnes played 52 AFL games for Carlton since signing for the club ahead of the 2020 season, previously representing St Kilda for eight seasons.

The 29-year-old played his 200th AFL game against Fremantle in Round 15, contributing 20 disposals, eight marks and a goal.

The highlight of Newnes’ tenure came in 2020, booting an after-the-siren goal from the boundary line to secure an unforgettable victory over the Dockers at Optus Stadium.

McDonald, who joined the Blues via the supplementary selection period in 2021, played five games in his two injury-plagued seasons at Ikon Park, while Parks made eight appearances for Carlton since he was selected in the 2021 NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

Jack Newnes of the Blues. Photo by Michael Klein

“Jack is a testament to what hard work can earn you in AFL Football, to play 200 games to this point at the highest level is a terrific achievement that Jack and his family should be incredibly proud of,” Carlton Head of List Management Nick Austin said in a statement.

“Oscar is also a terrific character who brought a lot to our group. While he was unlucky with his injuries, the resilience he showed to continue to persevere and maintain a positive presence around the Club was impressive.

“Luke had his share of bad luck through injury this year however his perseverance to come through state level to earn two years in the AFL system proves his strong work ethic.

“We thank Jack, Oscar and Luke for their service to the Carlton Football Club and wish them all the best moving forward.”

Caleb Marchbank, Josh Honey, David Cuningham and Will Setterfield remain out of contract with the Blues.

Carlton, who have not played a finals match since 2013, were sitting comfortably in the top eight all seasons before last weekend’s debilitating defeat.