HAVING given up a promising cricket career to play football before being cut by Collingwood post-season, Wil Parker has been thrown an AFL lifeline by Carlton.

The former Victorian Sheffield Shield bowler played 14 games in three seasons at the Magpies, including five in 2026.

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Trying to lock down a spot on the half-back line, Parker couldn't find regular games as Collingwood brought Dan Houston and Harry Perryman in to play alongside Josh Daicos and Isaac Quaynor.

Parker put in a solid performance in the Pies' 2025 qualifying final win against Adelaide but was dropped for their preliminary final loss to Brisbane.

The 24-year-old has excellent foot skills and, if given a chance, can add high-quality delivery out of the Blues' defensive half.

"We're pleased to welcome Wil to the Carlton Football Club," Carlton general manager of football Chris Davies said.  

"At just 24 years old, he's shown some really promising signs at both AFL and VFL level. There's a lot to like about his game, particularly his poise under pressure and his ability to find good options by foot, and we think there's still plenty of development ahead of him. 

"We know his journey to full-time football has been a little different to most, but to be able to play at the top level of both codes says a lot about his character and work ethic, and with more opportunity in the system he has every chance of further developing his game."