Carlson played his junior football in Surfers Paradise and then participated in three QAFL premierships with Southport, in 1985, 1986 and 1987.
[1] In the last of those years he also made his first VFL appearances for Brisbane in their inaugural league season, playing every game from round 11.
[2] He averaged 19 disposals a game that year and was "best on ground" against North Melbourne at Carrara Oval, with three Brownlow Medal votes.
Leg injuries restricted his progress and he could only add a further 14 games over the next three seasons.
[2] A wingman, Carlson went to South Australian National Football League (SANFL) club West Adelaide in 1991 and was named in "The Advertiser Team of the Year".