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.

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