A new VFL leadership group has been confirmed for 2026.

A REFRESHED and dynamic VFL leadership group is set to guide the Carlton Reserves throughout the 2026 season, bringing together a blend of experience and emerging talent.  

Darcy Tucker, Ethan Phillips, Jack Sammartino, Logan Prout, Will Cookson and Cooper Vickery will form the leadership group, each bringing unique qualities that will help guide the Blues in 2026. 

In 2026, the Carlton Reserves will also implement a rotating captain, with an AFL‑listed player stepping into the role each week, supported by the VFL leadership group. 

This approach is designed to broaden leadership exposure and encourage a strong connection between the AFL and VFL programs. 

Tucker brings a wealth of AFL experience, having played over 150 games across Fremantle and North Melbourne. His calm on-field presence, football IQ and unwavering professionalism makes him a great mentor for younger teammates.  

Reigning Carlton Reserves VFL Best and Fairest winner Ethan Phillips joins Tucker in the leadership cohort, possessing a genuine team‑first mentality. Standing up on the last line of defence, Phillips is always of great assistance to his teammates, improving them both in training and during a game. 

Sammartino arrived at IKON Park from Box Hill ahead of the 2026 season, and has made an immediate impression with his work ethic, on-field presence and competitive energy. 

Prout, a mainstay of Carlton’s backline in 2024 before an injury setback in 2025, has shown his resilience and commitment throughout to the team throughout his rehab. He is constantly cited as a positive and warm presence around the Club. 

Recruited from Hurstbridge, Cookson has been a standout in pre-season since arriving at IKON Park. Tough on the inside, Cookson has left an immediate impression on the Blues’ VFL program, as demonstrated by his inclusion in the leadership group before even playing a VFL game. 

Spending two years on Sydney’s AFL list, Vickery is a strong performer and highly regarded teammate. He is a natural leader who knows what it takes to perform at the level, featuring in every game for the VFL Blues in 2025. 

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VFL Senior Coach Damian Truslove said each person named in the leadership group was fully deserving of the role.  

“Darcy, Ethan, Logan, Will, Jack and Cooper have all shown a genuine willingness to invest in others and uphold strong professional standards. They are selfless people who embody what we want this program to represent, and we know they’ll do a fantastic job guiding the group this year,” Truslove said.  

“We have quite a diverse and young side, so the wealth of experience we have in our leadership group and their unique capabilities will hold us in good stead.  

“The rotating captain structure is a great opportunity for our emerging leaders in our AFL team to gain first-hand experience in a plethora of different scenarios, giving them a chance to step into the responsibility and develop their skillset.”