CARLTON has reaffirmed its faith in Josh Bootsma, re-signing the emerging defender to the end of 2015.
Bootsma, the Blues' first selection in the 2011 national draft at pick No. 22 overall, was due to come out of contract at the end of this season, but has re-signed for two more years.
Bootsma played five games in his debut season last year and has played nine games in 2013, including the Blues' past two matches.
Carlton football manager Andrew McKay told AFL.com.au on Wednesday he was confident Bootsma would become an important player for the Blues.
"Josh is obviously still a developing player but it's good to have him at Carlton for another couple of years," McKay said.
"I think once he builds up his confidence and gets more games under his belt he'll be more a running player off the half-back line.
"At the moment, his defensive skills are very good, he can manage to get the spoil in most times. He needs to get bigger in the body, but certainly he's got those Inspector Gadget-type arms and often gets a fist in.
"Initially, he'll be used down back as more of a traditional defender, but as time goes on he'll hopefully be more of a running defender."
At 191cm, Bootsma reads the play well, is a good kick and extremely courageous despite his light frame.
Despite weighing just 77kg at the start of this season, Bootsma has occasionally been sent to man opposition key forwards and began his last game on Richmond spearhead Jack Riewoldt.
"Playing on the likes of Riewoldt is an education for Josh – everything's pretty new for him having only been in the system for a year and a half," McKay said.
"He's got a bit of development to do, but we feel as though these type of jobs are going to help him become a good player in the future."
Bootsma is the son of former Fremantle player Brad Bootsma and was recruited from South Fremantle's WAFL colts team.
