COLLINGULLIE footballer Matt Kennedy will avoid having to wait until the rookie draft to be recontracted by Carlton after the AFL approved the Blues' request to move him and veteran Eddie Betts to their rookie list.
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Carlton will now be able to re-contract the 23-year-old after his current deal expired at the end of this season, and he will be available for senior selection in 2021.
Continued uncertainty around list sizes and the salary cap had thrown Kennedy's future into limbo, but his management were always very confident he would remain at Ikon Park.
The AFL confirmed a new rule on Wednesday which allows teams to move two senior players to their rookie list, effective immediately.
"It is also a terrific result that we have been able to re-contract Matthew now, without having to endure the wait until the rookie draft," Carlton's head of football Brad Lloyd said.
"Matthew was keen to stay at the club and we wanted to keep him, so to have that finalised now is a great outcome for all parties.
"We would like to acknowledge the AFL for delivering a rule this off-season that removes that unnecessary anxiety that can exist in the lead up to a draft for uncontracted players."
Kennedy had a strong finish to Carlton's season, racking up a season-high 23 disposals in the final round against Brisbane.
He averaged 16 marks disposals, four marks, over seven tackles, and three clearances in his seven games.
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