CARLTON has shown further faith in highly touted youngster Liam Stocker, rewarding him with a two-year contract extension.
After five games in his debut season, Stocker will remain at the Blues until at least the end of 2022, adding two seasons to his initial draft contract.
PHANTOM FORM GUIDE Cal Twomey's October update
Rated by the Blues at pick No.6 in last year's NAB AFL Draft, Stocker was ultimately taken at the pick 19 the Blues landed in a live swap of future first-round selections with Adelaide.
Starting his AFL career across half-back, the 19-year-old is expected to increase his midfield minutes in 2020.
"It's great that the club believes in me, I am loving my time in the Navy Blue and am really excited to be part of what we are building here," Stocker said.
"When you walk into this club you realise how special it is to wear the guernsey, I can't put it into words the moment I first wore it against North (Melbourne in round seven).
"We have a really exciting midfield group here at the club and I am loving the chance to learn from those experienced guys in the middle but also down back as well.
"I am just focused on becoming the best player I can possibly be for this football club and doing everything I can to makes us successful over the next three seasons."
Stocker with Carlton great Greg Williams at training last year. Picture: AFL Photos
Blues list chief Stephen Silvagni said Stocker's growth had excited the club's coaching staff.
>> The 2019 NAB AFL Draft runs from November 27-28. Follow all the latest news in the draft hub
"We rate Liam really highly and this year his effort and intensity to the program saw him fit into our system and earn his debut early in the season," Silvagni said.
"Those five games of AFL will give Liam huge motivation to work hard over the summer to give himself every chance for greater opportunity at the elite level in 2020.
"We look forward to seeing his development unfold and we know our members and supporters will enjoy watching Liam emerge over the next three years."
