Carlton re-signs Carrazzo, Joseph for two years

CARLTON has re-signed defender Andrew Carrazzo and tagger Aaron Joseph to deals that will keep them at the club until the end of 2011.

Carrazzo, 25, has overcome injuries to play 11 games this season for a career total of 95, while 20-year-old Joseph was elevated from the club's rookie list ahead of round one.

The Tasmanian has played all 19 games since.

Carlton general manager of football operations Steven Icke said Carrazzo and Joseph were players who would play important roles in the long-term future of the club.

"Both players have had to work hard to be given the opportunity to play AFL, having to start as rookie players, and have made the most of the opportunities that they have earned," Icke said in a statement.

"They are both wonderful examples of the importance the Carlton Football Club places on development and ensuring we provide our players with the best environment and opportunity to improve both as individuals and as part of a team."

Carrazzo won Carlton's best and fairest award in 2007 and was part of the club's pre-season premiership sides of 2005 and 2007.

He is also a member of the Blues' leadership group.

"While still young at just 25 years of age, he is one of the oldest players on the Carlton list providing valuable experience and leadership to the playing group," Icke said.

Icke added that Joseph had made a wonderful start to his AFL career, which included the NAB AFL Rising Star nomination for round 12.

News of Carrazzo and Joseph's recommitment follows last month's announcement that Bret Thornton, Paul Bower and Dennis Armfield had signed on.