Joshua Deluca Biography

Josh Deluca uprooted his life for a second chance at the AFL after being picked up by the Blues in the Mid-Season Rookie Draft, only to be delisted at the end of the 2019 season.

He played six straight games for Carlton between rounds 18 and 23, averaging 11.8 disposals and 3.8 tackles and kicking four goals, but his contract wasn't renewed.

Deluca told SEN radio that Carlton had indicated he would be eventually signed for 2020 when he was initially drafted.

"Yep, 100 per cent (thought he had a spot for 2020). I was pretty devastated and shocked, just because I thought I was in a better position than I found out to be," Deluca said.

"I would have loved the opportunity to get a pre-season in and really had a good crack at it next year, even if it was just a year contract. I was pretty flat. They were pretty reassuring it wouldn't be, so I was pretty flat to hear when that result came back and circumstances had changed."

The recruitment of a couple of high-profile small forwards frustrated Deluca, who felt he was forced out and wondered why he was drafted in the first place.

"That was sort of the conversation (between himself and Carlton) pre-trade, and then it turns out they were going for three or four forwards," he said.

"I understood that, but what I was thinking was along the lines of, 'you would have had an idea you were going for those players earlier in the season,', and I didn't understand why I was picked up in the first place if that was the case."

Deluca is now leaning towards staying in Victoria and playing VFL in the hope of a third AFL club throwing him a lifeline.

"I'd never say no to an AFL contract, but I'd probably want a bit more reassurance that it wouldn't end like this. It's hard coming over from Perth, it puts your life on hold," Deluca said.

"In terms of your work opportunities, I wouldn't want it to have a big effect on that. But of course, I'd take a contract if it was thrown at me."

Carlton delists mid-season recruit Josh Deluca.

However, the 23-year-old will continue to train with the Blues when the club's pre-season campaign starts in November to press his claims for another opportunity.

"Josh is a quality person who has given his all since coming through the doors of Ikon Park," Carlton football chief Brad Lloyd said.

"He has taken up the opportunity to train with the club during pre-season and we will provide him with all the support he needs to continue his playing career."

Joshua Deluca makes his AFL debut for Carlton at Docklands Stadium with 8 disposals (3 kicks and 5 handballs), 3 marks, a tackle and a goal in a 24-point win over Gold Coast.

Carlton select Joshua Deluca with pick No.1 in the 2019 Mid-Season Draft.

Fremantle's list regeneration has continued, with Matt de Boer, Tendai Mzungu, Clancee Pearce, Jack Hannath, Brady Grey and rookie Josh Deluca among six new delistings.

The Dockers delist Josh Deluca but has committed to re-drafting him as a rookie after just one year on the Dockers' main list.

Deluca was taken with pick No.68 in the 2014 NAB AFL draft but endured some injury problems in 2015.

Josh Deluca-Cardillo is selected with pick No.68 by Fremantle in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft.

"Again, we were impressed with how we went about it at Subiaco," Dockers general manager of player management Brad Lloyd said.

"He's a young player who impacted through the finals and has really strong endurance, really attacks the ball and is prepared to do the defensive work, chase and tackle, and again, he's a quality worker so he'll fit in really well."