Jason McCartney has decided to continue in his role at the AFL and will not be joining the coaching panel at the Carlton Football Club.

McCartney had previously agreed to join the Carlton coaching panel as the Development Coach but has decided to continue in his current role.

“I considered the offer a great opportunity to join Carlton in a development role at what is an exciting time for the club however I have decided to continue in my current role with the AFL. I really enjoy the work I am involved with at the AFL and I look forward to continuing in this role,” McCartney said.

“I certainly appreciate the offer from Carlton, it was a tough decision to make and changing my lifestyle with a young family was also a big consideration,” he added.

While disappointed McCartney has decided not to accept the Development Coach role Carlton’s General Manager Football Operations, Steven Icke said he appreciated McCartney’s position.

“We were certainly looking forward to having Jason join our coaching panel and having him work with our young players however we appreciate his decision to remain in the development role he has with the AFL working with the AIS development program. We will now look for the best person to become the Development Coach and join our coaching panel for 2008,” Icke said.