New Blue: Tall forward joins Carlton from Sydney

Joel Amartey has joined the Blues from the Swans as an unrestricted free agent

JOEL Amartey's move from Sydney to Carlton as an unrestricted free agent has been confirmed.

Amartey, 27, joins the Blues after kicking 114 goals across 76 games for the Swans.

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The Swans will receive a second-round compensation pick, currently No.36.

Amartey's arrival is a boost to Carlton's forward line after the Blues' run to an elimination final this year under Josh Fraser.

Amartey had a strong start to his 2026 season, kicking three or more goals in five of his first 11 games.

He joins former Sydney teammates Will Hayward, Ollie Florent, George Hewett and Nic Newman at Carlton. Amartey lived with Hayward during their time at the Swans and went to high school with Florent, playing for the same junior club, Beaumaris Sharks.

"From the passionate fanbase to seeing the momentum Carlton got from the middle of this year, combined with knowing the quality people they have at the club, it made it an easy decision in the end," Amartey said.

"Off the field I like to bring my energy around the club, I really want to bring that and earn the respect of not only the players and staff at Carlton but also every Blues fan.

"I have felt so welcomed already, I can already see how great the environment is here and can't wait for pre-season to roll around and get to work."

Carlton football boss Chris Davies said Amartey would bring experience and a new dimension to the forward line.

"We believe Joel can play a valuable role up forward for us. His presence in the forward line speaks for itself, and he will give us another avenue to goal alongside Harry McKay, which we are excited to see develop as next season goes," he said.

"To have him choose Carlton speaks to the environment we are building at the club. For a player of Joel's calibre to want to be part of what we're doing here is a strong endorsement of the direction this football club is heading.

"Over the last 12 months, we've made it a real focus to bring in players of great character who can add just as much to the group off the field as they do on it. Joel fits that mould perfectly for us, and we're confident he'll be a fantastic addition both in our playing group and to our wider club environment."

Brodie Kemp led Carlton's goalkicking this year with 39 majors, ahead of McKay (35) and Mitch McGovern (34).