CARLTON and Geelong have moved to lock away key pieces in the future of their backlines with Caleb Marchbank and Jack Henry committing to new deals.
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AFL.com.au understands the 23-year-old Marchbank has signed a new two-year contract that will tie him to the Blues until the end of 2022.
Marchbank hasn't featured at AFL level this year due to persistent bone bruising in his knee but is seen as a key part of the club's rise under David Teague.
The former Giant has endured a wretched run of injuries since landing at the Blues ahead of 2017 which included a fractured neck that reduced him to a brace and 13 games last season.
His signature comes after the Blues last month extended former No.1 pick Jacob Weitering until the end of 2025.
Liam Jones has a deal for 2022, while fellow defender Lachie Plowman is on the verge of an extension and veterans Marc Murphy and Levi Casboult have agreed to deals to stay for 2021.
The Blues are also expected to be big spenders in this year's Trade Period and are actively chasing Greater Western Sydney gun free agent Zac Williams.
Henry has also signed a new one-year deal with the Cats until the end of 2021, capping another impressive season for the former rookie.
After playing 23 of a possible 25 games last season, the 22-year-old has featured in all 14 matches this season. It is a record that stands at 59 of a possible 61 games since his debut in round two, 2018.
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Henry's brother Oliver is seen as a top-10 prospect for this year's NAB AFL Draft and was this week one of 94 players invited for testing at NAB AFL Draft Combines around the country.
