List summary:
It was a tough year for the Blues with the benefit of any organic growth offset by the departure of Bryce Gibbs and a massive injury list that included losing All-Australian Sam Docherty to an ACL. The Blues midfield was badly exposed this year with far too much heavy lifting left to Patrick Cripps. Charlie Curnow needs more support in the forward line, and even the once sturdy Carlton defence looked unbalanced this year. A tall lock-down defender will be needed to take over from Sam Rowe.
List changes:
Carlton have so far made five list changes. Including delisting four of their recycled players Aaron Mullett, Cameron O’Shea, Matthew Shaw and Alex Silvagni. 2016 number one rookie pick Jesse Glass-McCasker was also not offered a new contract.
Draft picks:
Carlton currently have national draft picks 1, 24, 25, 65, 73 and 91.
Draft target:
It’s no secret that Sam Walsh is in the sights for Carlton at pick 1. The hard-running midfielder would be the perfectly compliment Cripps, Dow and Fisher. Walsh is a well-rounded accumulator that any club would be happy to have.
Trade target:
Carlton are rumoured to be interested in contracted Crow Mitch McGovern. McGovern, who has asked for a trade from Adelaide, would give Carlton some serious marking power.
Best case scenario:
There is a thread on the Big Footy Scandals and Rumours board that indicates that GWS are interested in Carlton’s pick 1. Apparently they want South Australian star Izak Rankine. This would give the Blues a great opportunity to add a number of talented players, Dylan Shiel’s name is mentioned, rather than one. Considering the multiple weak spots in their list it could be a very alluring prospect.
