Carlton’s youth movement continues on King’s Birthday Eve, with ruck-forward Hudson O’Keeffe set to make his long-awaited AFL debut against Essendon under the lights at the MCG.
O’Keeffe was confirmed as the seventh club debutant of the season in an emotional presentation from coach Michael Voss on Saturday morning. In front of teammates, Voss unveiled the 20-year-old’s long-time lock screen, a photo of the MCG.
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“You can change it on Monday morning,” Voss told him. “You've worked really hard. The thing we love about you the most is it's not about the kicks, marks and handballs – it's going to be about how you compete. That's your real strength – these guys will love playing with you over a long period of time, I know it.”
A dream earned through the reserves grind
Signed during the supplementary selection period just before the 2023 season, O’Keeffe has worked tirelessly through 32 games with the VFL Blues, developing into a versatile presence both in the ruck and up forward. He has notched eight goals from seven games in the 2025 campaign, with standout performances including a three-goal, six-mark outing against Coburg in Round 6.
The selection comes with key forward Harry McKay ruled out due to knee soreness, opening the door for O’Keeffe to realise his dream in front of an expected crowd of 80,000.
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“They’re going to be talking about how you compete, how you protect people… congratulations mate, you’re going to live out your dream,” Voss said.
O’Keeffe will become Carlton player No.1248 and will wear the No.40 jumper when he runs out against the Bombers.