CARLTON Draught has today announced the five lucky Victorian clubs that will be granted a pick to select a footy legend to run out with their senior team as part of the 2024 ‘The Carlton Draft’.

The star-studded 2024 draft crop consists of Trent Cotchin, Isaac Smith, Matthew Lloyd, Dylan Buckley and Leigh Montagna, comprising over 1100 AFL games and eight AFL Premierships collectively.

Amongst the five selected clubs with a pick in this year’s draft were Mid-Gippsland’s Toora Magpie’s.

“It’s really exciting,” club president Linden Dyson stated.

“The club is a hive of activity at the moment, we’ve had a few changes, with enjoyable numbers and fantastic quality recruits, lifted by local support.”

“Everything has fallen into place and (the Draft) is really exciting and will bring another level of energy.”

The other four clubs selected were:

Ballan Blues – Central Highlands

The Castlemaine Football & Netball Club – Bendigo Football & Netball League

Old Collegians FNC – Warrnambool District Football Netball League

Bunyip Bulldogs – West Gippsland Football Netball Competition

Across the first two seasons of the campaign, The Carlton Draft matchdays have created unforgettable memories for players, coaches and local communities, with appearances from footy legends drawing huge numbers through the gates and assisting the struggling clubs who need it most.

This year’s campaign saw over 175 clubs nominating for a chance to be a part of the action in 2024.

The 2024 Carlton Draft playing pool includes:

• Triple premiership Tigers captain Trent Cotchin

• Four-time flag hero across the Hawks and Cats and 2022 Norm Smith Medallist Isaac Smith

• AFL Hall of Famer and 2000 Bombers premiership player Matthew Lloyd

• Former Blues and Giants player and popular podcaster Dylan Buckley

• Saints legend and 287-game AFL player Leigh Montagna

The Carlton Draft Commissioner, Jonathan Brown, thinks this draft crop might be the most talented yet, and anticipates some huge performances from the former stars. “We’ve had some big names across the first two seasons of the campaign including Nathan Buckley, Eddie Betts and Alex Rance, but I think this draft class may be the most talented we’ve seen to date,” Brown said.

“You’ve got the opportunity to put Lloydy one out in the square on a local full-back, Cotch and Joey [Leigh Montagna] to put straight in the guts, or outside stars in Smithy and Dyl who will run rings around opposition teams.

“Any of these players lining up for your local team will be a tantalising prospect, not only bringing a huge boost to clubs on the field, but hopefully bringing plenty of foot traffic through the gates and cash behind the canteen and bar.”

CUB’s Head of Classic Beer, Sarah Wilcox, said the first two years of the campaign have created memories for the clubs that they will never forget, and she can’t wait to see more clubs get the same opportunity.

“We would like to congratulate the clubs that have been selected in the 2024 Carlton Draft, but also thank the 170 plus clubs who entered this year but were not as lucky,” she said.

“The Carlton Draft has provided a much-needed boost over the last two years for struggling clubs both on and off the field, as well as their surrounding towns, and I can’t wait to see the smiles on the faces of those from the clubs and communities involved this year.”

And whilst Toora is happy to have any of the incredible legends on field, there is a soft spot for Issac Smith.

“A few of us are keen on Triple M and Smithy is pretty funny, so he would have the crowd laughing, but they’re all fantastic and we would be happy with any.”

The Carlton Draft draft night – where the participating clubs select their player - will be held at The Pub at Crown Melbourne in late April, with matchdays to commence from late May.