Carlton have signed Michael Gibbons and Matt Cottrell under the AFL's new pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP).
The Blues had until March 15 to list the pair, who began training with the club in December and were permitted to continue until the end of February.
Carlton however have seen enough, adding the Victorians to their rookie list as part of the new rules which allows players overlooked in drafts to go to an interested club of their choosing.
Two dreams realised in navy blue. 💙💙
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) February 8, 2019
We're delighted to officially welcome Michael Gibbons and Matthew Cottrell to the Club!#BoundByBlue
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Gibbons, a 23-year-old midfield-forward, has been plying his trade at Wiliamstown in the VFL.
He has amassed an impressive two J.J Liston Medals (2016, 2018) as the competition's best and fairest as well as being named in the team of the year for the past three seasons.
Many considered him to have been unlucky to again miss out on the draft.
According to reports, he has impressed in training for the club and starred in their recent camp on the Sunshine Coast.
Michael Gibbons was excellent in match simulation today. As reported on Monday, was a certainty to get on the list. But after match sim, Andrew Russell took the boys for hill sprints. He won every one of them. Only confirmed what they knew, that he was AFL ready.
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) February 8, 2019
19-year-old outside midfielder Cottrell has also made his mark on the club this pre-season, taking out the time trial ahead of veteran Ed Curnow.
Carlton list manager Stephen Silvagni spoke to carltonfc.com.au about the pair following Friday's announcement.
"Michael and Matthew are talented footballers, but even more importantly they are quality people who we think will really add to our group on and off the field," Silvagni said.
"'Gibbo' in particular has done everything he possibly can over the last five years to give himself an opportunity and now he has one.
"We believe he will really add some energy for us up forward and through the middle of the ground.
"Cottrell has hit the ground running from the moment he walked through the doors of our club.
"His running ability will be a real asset to our list and we look forward to him developing his game even further."
