Upon being announced as the long-term successor to Mick Malthouse back in 2015, Brendon Bolton and Stephen Silvagni spoke of a "66-game rebuild" in an ambitious plan to return the once mighty club back to its glory days.
However, we have hit 66 games and Carlton, much to the demise of their passionate fanbase (and to the delight of the other 17) look as close to making a reappearance in September this season as Mick Malthouse returning to the hot seat.
Last season, Carlton racked up wins against Essendon and Gold Coast that can be classed under memorable due to the fact that they were its only wins for the season; a far cry from any statistic that would purport a rebuild is on the right path.
Still, Carlton have now stripped their squad back its bare bones, with youngsters such as Sam Petrevski-Seton, Harry Cunningham, Harry McKay and Paddy Dow getting a mix of both experience and a full pre-season under their belt.
On the same note as last year, the Blues looked the goods in the JLT Series, however maybe, just maybe the Blues can truly show a clear path toward returning to the top end of the competition.
In regards to their fixture, aside from the traditional rivalry matches against Richmond and Collingwood, Carlton don’t actually have that many prime-time fixtures; something which could work well in the favour of the younger brigade, with a chance to play their footy in a (relatively) smaller spotlight.
Still, the Blues don’t have an easy run of it; the games they play at Marvel Stadium should see them offer some fight, however expect the young side to once again show flashes of potential yet ultimately fall short quite a few times.
With the star power of Patrick Cripps, Marc Murphy, an ever developing Jacob Weitering and Charlie Curnow, as well as a whole host of youngsters ready to break through - including the No. 1 draft pick Sam Walsh - Carlton should at least be aiming for five wins this season with an even clearer depiction of how this club will move forward.
Otherwise, serious questions must be asked of Brendon Bolton.
OUR BEST 22 - ROUND 1
NOTABLE OMISSIONS: Sam Docherty (knee), Matthew Kreuzer (knee), Darcy Lang (foot), Caleb Marchbank (back), Jarrod Pickett (knee)
MVP
This one writes itself; Patrick Cripps has all the tools to become the premier midfield in the competition.
With his ability to win, clear and move the ball, as well as taking a contested mark up forward, his fitness is imperative to the Blues.
Now the co-captain, alongside the ever-unfortunate Sam Docherty, the numerous youngsters in Carlton’s outfit will look to him as their shining example of what they can become.
BREAKOUT
Are you even a breakout player if you’re already considered an above average player at the age of 18?
The only thing Sam Walsh can do this year is be consistent.
Everyone knows he’s got the talent, the tank, the strength, and a whisper of an added explosiveness during pre-season; now it’s about seeing him translate an outstanding JLT into a solid year, in what should be one of the highlights for those in the navy blue.
UNDER THE PUMP
Due to Carlton’s significantly younger list, the players can hardly be held accountable for the club’s current predicament.
However, those in charge who made the decisions to set this club on their 66-game rebuild have now expired on their promise; entering the fourth season, patience is starting to run thin on what is a very talented, but very young squad.
This is the year Brendon Bolton needs to start showing absolute signs of a promising future, or else his job may be on the line.
EARLY PREDICTIONS...
1. Carlton will win at least four games this season, and show a lot of promise yet ultimately fall short in quite a few others too
2. With the acquisition of Mitch McGovern from the Crows, coupled with the ever developing Harry McKay, expect Charlie Curnow to play quite a few midfield minutes. The athleticism and talent is there, now it’s only about the transition and mindset
3. Will Setterfield will show the AFL world just how good a talent he is. Ravaged by injury throughout his young career, the former pick No. 5 in the 2016 draft has all the tools to become an elite utility. He won’t be set the world alight with consistency this season, but will show glimpses of what should be a stellar career
Comments