CARLTON has extended the contracts of three players in a move the Blues hope will assist the club build on a successful 2011.

Tall Shaun Hampson has had his deal with the club lengthened by three years while midfielders David Ellard and Dennis Armfield have signed two-year contract extensions.

Hampson, 23, who has battled a knee injury, has played nine senior games for the Blues this year with his best effort coming in Carlton's 47-point win over Melbourne in round 10 where he collected 12 possessions and had 34 hit-outs.

Ellard, 22, has been a mainstay in the Blues' best-22 this year, playing 19 games where he has averaged 14.6 touches and 2.5 clearances a match.

Armfield, 24, has played 15 matches this season, averaging 12.6 possessions and kicking an accurate 7.1 in 2011.

"Both Dennis and David have worked extremely hard to cement their place in the senior team this season and we recognise they will play a valuable role in the club's success over the coming years," football operations manager Steven Icke said.
 
"We were also very keen to re-sign Shaun Hampson, whose improvement, even with a knee injury earlier in the year, has been notable.
 
"We expect all players to take part in a full pre-season and we look forward to watching them continue their development in 2012."