Ackland to join Carlton

Carlton has announced that Cain Ackland is set to join the Blues as the number one selection in this year's pre-season draft.

"We are delighted that Cain has agreed to join the Carlton Football Club and subject to all the AFL approvals he will officially become a Carlton player following the pre-season draft in December," said football operations manager Grant Williams.

Cain has played 41 games in his two seasons with St Kilda after previously having played 12 matches with Port Adelaide after being the number 27 selection in the 1999 National Draft.

"At 24 years of age Cain has a lot of football in front of him and we look forward to him being a part of the Carlton team for many years to come. His decision to join Carlton is a real boost to the Club particularly following the retirement of Barnaby French at the end of the season," said Carlton coach Denis Pagan.

"There is no doubt we needed a proven ruckman and in Cain we have secured a young ruckman who has already established himself at AFL level," he added.

The opportunity to play an important role in the rebuilding of the Carlton Football Club was important in Cain's decision to move to the Blues.

"I am excited to be joining the Carlton Football Club and believe it will provide me with a greater playing opportunity," Ackland said.

"It was a difficult decision to leave St Kilda, but Carlton has a very young playing list and will be adding some more exciting young talent in the upcoming National Draft, so I am looking forward to working together with the young players to build a successful future for the Club."

Cain is currently on holidays and will commence pre-season training with Carlton upon his return.