Blues re-sign defensive trio

Carlton have re-signed defenders Bret Thornton, Paul Bower and Dennis Armfield to
new two-year contracts, which will tie them to the AFL club until the end of 2011.
Thornton is the Blues' most experienced backman, with 141 games, while Bower has
played 37 and Armfield 21.
Carlton football operations general manager Steven Icke said the Blues were
delighted to re-sign the trio.
"They are all important young players, who will play a major role in the long-term
future of the Carlton Football Club," he said.
Meanwhile, the AFL has proposed a new rule which will involve rookies in this year's
trade week in a bid to encourage more player movement between clubs.
Under the league's proposal, clubs will be able to trade rookies along with
senior-listed players and draft picks.
Only six players were traded between clubs last year, and the heavy concessions
being provided to the Gold Coast and Western Sydney franchises in coming years are
expected to deter clubs from trading away potential draft picks.
The AFL is awaiting responses from the clubs on its proposal to involve rookies in
trades.
Under the proposal, players traded as rookies would join their new club as players
on the senior list.
The rule could also stave off the introduction of free agency, but the AFL has
stated that system would not be brought in before 2012.