Torquay’s Travis Boak lands big leadership role at Carlton

TORQUAY football great Travis Boak has taken the next step in his post-AFL journey, joining Carlton in a newly created off-field role ahead of the 2026 season.

The Blues announced today (Tuesday) that Boak would become the club’s Leadership and Culture mentor, working three days a week with the playing group and wider football department.

It’s a significant appointment for the 387-game AFL champion, who played his junior football at the Torquay Football Club and recently confirmed he’ll return to the Tigers in 2025 to wear his late father Roger’s #5 jumper.

While his heart remains firmly at home, Boak said the opportunity to influence leadership and standards at the elite level was too good to pass up.

“I was so fortunate to be presented with a number of opportunities since retiring,” Boak said.

“But this new position at Carlton and the direction in which Graham Wright, Chris Davies and Michael Voss are looking to take the football program was a clear standout for me.”

The former Port Adelaide captain will bring nearly two decades of experience to IKON Park, including six years as skipper and three All Australian honours.

Boak said he was looking forward to helping players thrive in high-pressure environments and grow as leaders.

Carlton’s general manager of football Chris Davies said Boak’s appointment would significantly strengthen the club’s off-field leadership team.

“Travis will be an invaluable sounding board for our leaders and broader playing group,” he said.

“His professionalism, leadership capabilities and commitment to helping those around him grow will help shape the culture we’re building.”

Boak’s dual commitment to both Carlton and the Torquay Tigers reflects his passion for football at every level – and for giving back to the communities that shaped him.