New Blue: Former Bombers, Port forward joins Carlton

Orazio Fantasia has signed for Carlton after three seasons with Port Adelaide

CARLTON has bolstered its futures stock with the signing of former Port Adelaide and Essendon livewire Orazio Fantasia.
Fantasia joined the Blues as a delisted free agent after three seasons with the Power, where he struggled with injuries and played just 19 games.

The 28-year-old, who played 99 AFL games, was offered another contract by Port but decided to join Carlton.
Nick Austin, Carlton’s head of list management, said: “We have had a clear focus this season on recruiting versatile players who will add to our depth , promoting senior selection and competition for multiple roles within the team.
” “We know that strong competition for places during training week will be key to improving our performances each weekend.
“Orazio is an AFL footballer quality, he will bring his extensive skills to our environment and will have everything at his disposal to maximize this possibility.

“When we met Orazio at half-time, one thing that was clear was his desire to return to senior football.
We and Orazio saw the strength he can bring to our half i.
“With the acquisition of ‘Elijah Hollands, we have added a number of ready AFL-level talent who will arrive on day one of pre-season ready to make a push for senior selection High.

Fantasia kicked at least 20 goals in four straight seasons for Essendon beginning in 2016, including booting 39 in 20 games in 2017.

But after being limited to just five games in 2020, he got his wish to return to South Australia and was traded to Port.

He kicked 28 goals for the Power in his first season with the club, but has played just four times at AFL level in the past two campaigns.
Fantasia joins the Carlton squad after the preliminary final in 2023.
There have been changes to the Blues this season, with Paddy Dow (St Kilda) and Zac Fisher (North Melbourne) swapping , while ‘Elijah Hollands has joined the club from the Gold Coast.
Ed Curnow and Lachie Plowman retire and Josh Honey, Lochie O’Brien and Sam Philp are delisted.