“He’s a ripper”: Former No.1 pick comments on draft potential of younger brother

There is a chance that Charlie McCartin could be on an AFL list in 2025.

The younger brother of former No.1 draft pick Paddy and older brother of Sydney defender Tom put together a strong season for Lorne in the Colac & District League.

The middle McCartin brother, 25, was coached by former Carlton midfielder Ed Curnow in 2024 and helped the Dolphins win the premiership on the weekend.

He also played twice for the Swans’ VFL team and acquitted himself well at state league level despite having not played for footy for some time prior to this year.

Former Saint and Swan Paddy, the eldest McCartin, has his fingers crossed for his younger brother.

“I actually went down to Lorne on the weekend to watch ‘Chuck’ play in the Grand Final with Ed Curnow and they won, which was awesome,” McCartin said on SEN Breakfast.

“He’s going really well. A lot of people don’t know but he hadn’t played footy for eight or nine years before this year. He decided to chuck the boots back on and he’s gone alright.

“He’s a ripper, Charlie. It would be awesome to see him play somewhere next year. We’ll see what happens.”

He stands at a similar size to Paddy and Tom (around 194-195cm), but has some filling out to do, and plays in a similar vein as an intercepting defender.

“He’s the same size. He’s probably not as big as Tommy, but I’m sure if he gets on a list he’ll get there,” Paddy added.

“He plays similar to me, he doesn’t play on anyone, he just floats in and intercepts. That’s what he’s been doing at Lorne.

“We’ll see how he goes. I’ve got my fingers crossed for the big fella.”

McCartin played 14 games for Lorne and was named in the best players on nine occasions.

The athletic defender has been watched by Carlton, St Kilda and Geelong this year and already has links to the Swans.

Charlie is known to them after working in recruiting with Kinnear Beatson and has also spent time with Scott Lucas at Phoenix Management Group.

Image from Paddy McCartin's Instagram.