Four-ever young: Emerging talent to continue at Carlton

THE CARLTON Football Club is excited to announce the re-signing of four rookies, with Francis Evans, Flynn Young, Harry Charleson and Rob Monahan continuing with the Blues into 2026.

The respective one-year extensions will see their time continue in the Navy Blue, which saw Evans and Young pull on the Navy Blue for the first time while Charleson and Monahan showed continued growth for the Carlton Reserves.

Signed to the rookie list as part of the pre-season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) earlier this year, ‘Frank the Tank’ pulled off an impressive end to the 2025 season to earn himself another year at the Blues.

Evans was ranked as one of the top six players across the AFL across the final five weeks of the 2025 season according to Champion Data, averaging over 15 disposals and nearly three goals a game, in a standout finish to the year.

Evans earned a cult-following among Blues fans during his strong run of form, kick-started by a four-goal performance in Round 22 against Gold Coast.

Selected with Carlton’s sole selection in the 2025 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft, Young arrived at IKON Park at the end of May.

Just 29 days later, the Werribee recruit then made his AFL debut against Port Adelaide in Round 16.

Heralding from the surf coast, where he played alongside Sam Walsh’s brother Henry, Young is highly regarded for his classy left foot and running ability.

Playing in eight games this year, Young displayed a genuine x-factor, kicking his first goal in the Blues’ Round 19 victory against Melbourne, while registering multiple majors in the last fortnight of the season against Port Adelaide and Essendon.

Hailing from Ballarat, Charleson was selected by Carlton with pick No.9 at the 2024 Telstra AFL Rookie Draft.

Playing in every game for the Carlton Reserves, Charleson’s best outing came in Round 14, where he had 27 disposals - 22 of those kicks - in a narrow win over Port Melbourne.

The 2024 GWV Rebels co-captain - affectionately known as ‘Garry’ at IKON Park’ - generates run from the back half, as well as locking down opponents when required, racking up 22 or more disposals in six of his last nine VFL games for the season.

A Category B rookie, Monahan joined the Blues at the end of 2023 from Kerry in Ireland, swapping the liathróid peile (football) for the Sherrin, showcasing his outstanding athletic capabilities across his first two seasons at IKON Park.

Continuing developing his craft and knowledge of the game, the 21-year-old has played forward, wing and down back at VFL level, missing just one game across two seasons and producing an eye-catching game against Collingwood in Round 15 this season.

“We're really pleased to have Francis, Flynn, Harry and Rob for another year at IKON Park,” Blues Head of List Management Nick Austin said.

“Ever since he walked into IKON Park, Francis has worked extremely hard on his craft, working closely with the forward group and being the ultimate team player. He is determination personified and really excelled in the later part of the year, so to be able to re-sign him for another year is the perfect reward for his season.

“Flynn is a really exciting prospect for us, a quick and dynamic player, who has shown a lot of promise since arriving at the Blues. He is a very determined individual who has worked really hard to earn his spot in the side.

“While Harry didn’t have a chance at AFL level this season, his development across the year has been really encouraging. His consistency and commitment in training, along with his hard work on developing his game and character has earnt him this opportunity.

“The transition from Gaelic football to AFL is no small feat, and Rob continues to impress us with his outstanding work ethic and diligence to get the best out of himself.

“We look forward to seeing all four players attack the pre-season and do everything they can to push for senior opportunity in 2026.”

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