New Blue Blake Acres is confident he will fit in well at Carlton after being traded from Fremantle on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old wingman will return to Victoria to play for Carlton in 2023 in exchange for a future third-round pick after a career-best season at Fremantle this year and said he had already spoken with his future teammates, including former Docker Adam Cerra and Blues captain Patrick Cripps.
Blake Acres has been traded to Carlton.Credit:Getty Images
“I had a few texts with him [Cerra] … I just sort of checked in with him seeing how he’s going and just sort of throw it out there that there’s a potential I’ll be going into Carlton next season and he said he’d be pumped, and yeah, it wasn’t a huge conversation with him.
“I had a few convos with Crippa [Cripps] as well and a few of the other guys there. And I know a few of them and they’re all good fellas. So, I feel like I’ll be able to fit in right straight away,” Acres said.
Acres, who averaged 21.7 disposals and 5.8 marks a game this year, said he would be aiming for the same momentum at the Blues, having spoken to coach Michael Voss about again playing on a wing.
“That’s the conversations I’ve had with Vossy. It will be very similar to what I’ve been doing at Freo. I don’t have to complicate it too much, just go there and run hard,” Acres said.
Reflecting on the Dockers’ finals campaign, Acres said his former team had more consistency than the Blues toward the end of the season.
“I think the difference was Freo was able to keep their continuity throughout the season and get back on board whereas Carlton just probably missed that little bit, probably had a few more injuries, and yeah, lacked a little bit there at the end of the season,” he said.
“Hopefully, I can add to that and take that next little step. I don’t think it’s much, their best is clearly good enough. So, hopefully, I can just add a little bit there with my run and what I bring and then we’re looking at finals next season.”
Acres will return to Victoria, where he began his AFL career after being selected by St Kilda as the 19th pick in the 2013 AFL draft.
The move back to Victoria is a personal decision for Acres, who said he was initially committed to settling down in Perth. He acknowledged the good culture at Fremantle.
“They wanted to keep me, I was keen to stay, but at the same time, I sort of had to do what’s best for me and where I’m at in my footy career and the conversations over at Carlton were really positive and I felt like I could really grow my career there … and hopefully go to another level next year at the Blues.”
Ex-Carlton defender Liam Jones’ return to the Western Bulldogs as an unrestricted free agent next season was also confirmed on Tuesday.
“I’m just so grateful to have the opportunity to play at the highest level again,” said Jones said.
“I learnt plenty from my time at Carlton and hopefully I can bring some of that knowledge and experience over to the Dogs to help support the great players in our back half.”
Former Blue Liam Jones is to return to Whitten Oval.Credit:Getty Images
The 31-year-old sat out the 2022 season after opting out of a COVID vaccination.
Bulldogs general manager and head of list and recruiting, Sam Power said the club was excited by the prospect of Jones returning to Whitten Oval after seven seasons with the Blues.
“We’re thrilled to officially welcome Liam back into our colours,” Power said.
Jones was originally drafted by the Bulldogs in 2008 before switching in 2014 to Carlton, where he developed into a valuable key defender.
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