There is a real sense of urgency at Princes Park following yet another disappointing season.ย
Failing to make finals for the eighth year in a row, the pressure is mounting on both the playing group and those staff members who have somehow escaped the boot.
Following such a poor year, the Blues looked to the off-season to try and bolster their stocks.
Throughout this time, not only did the Blues replace David Teague with Michael Voss, but they also added Adam Cerra and George Hewett to the mix.
With Blues fans eager to see how their new-look team fares, Carlton will be one of the most intriguing teams in the competition with all rival fans watching with anticipation.
Off-Season Moves
Ins:ย Adam Cerraย (Fremantle),ย George Hewettย (Sydneyย Swans),ย Lewis Youngย (Western Bulldogs),ย Jesse Motlop, Domanic Akuei.
Outs:ย Michael Gibbonsย (Delisted), Sam Ramsey (Delisted),ย Liam Jonesย (retired),ย Eddie Bettsย (Retired),ย Marc Murphyย (Retired),ย Levi Casboultย (retired),ย Sam Petrevski-Setonย (West Coastย Eagles).
Strengths
Despite 2021 being a disappointing season overall, there were still many mini-victories for the Blues.
The first and most notable strength was the arrival of big key forward Harry McKay who managed to win his first Coleman Medal after kicking 57 goals for the season.
Meanwhile, young gun Sam Walsh proved that he can end up being the best player in the competition after polling 30 votes to put himself fourth in the Brownlow Medal.
Given their age demographic, the Blues can rest on both McKay and Walsh as cornerstones for the future.
Furthermore, the Blues forward line is now filled with young talent with Charlie Curnow and Jack Silvagni joining Harry McKay as targets inside 50. This forward trio will be of great importance in 2022.
