CARLTON has locked in two of its budding youngsters, extending the contracts of Patrick Kerr and Tom De Koning on Thursday.
Kerr, taken with pick 65 in the 2016 National Draft, added one year to his first contract at the Blues and will stay at Princes Park till at least the end of 2019.
Tall forward De Koning extended till the end of 2021 in a show of faith from the club for the player it took at pick 30 in last year's draft.
"Since I arrived at the Club in November, I've really loved being a part of it, learning about the game, preparation and being in an elite environment," De Koning told Carlton's website.
"I think we're a part of an exciting playing group here at Carlton and we're on the right track. I want to continue to learn from the older players like Matthew Kreuzer and Marc Murphy, hopefully make my debut soon and contribute to the team’s success in the long-term."
Kerr said he was thankful for the opportunity to extend his stay at the club he grew up supporting.
"Running out for my first senior game was a dream come true and now it's about building continuity in my game. Being at Carlton is an environment I want to be part of for the long-term, so I'm looking forward to seeing where the group can go under'Bolts' and the coaching panel."
Coach Brendon Bolton said the re-signings are an important step in the Blues building its "talented young list".
"Tom has shown some impressive signs early through his Northern Blues' appearances this season and his contract extension is a sign of the belief he has in the direction of the Club," Bolton said.
"Pat is very early in his career too. In his past four senior games, he has displayed strong leading patterns and a good presence up forward, alongside Charlie Curnow, Levi Casboult and Harry McKay so he will be keen to build upon that as a developing young forward.
"Both players are hungry to apply themselves and possess a real drive to learn. We hope they solidify their spot in the side for years to come amongst the talented young list we have."