A pair of defenders from Carlton's 2023 draft class - including a young Blue who was cut by the club last year - could be poised for more senior roles under Michael Voss this year in the wake of Nic Newman's season-ending knee injury.
The confirmation of Newman's unfortunate patella tendon rupture on Friday was the latest pre-season setback for the Princes Park club, which has entered new campaigns in recent years already a man down.
The injury to Newman sees Voss lose an experienced and reliable defender who can lock down his direct opponent and damage the opposition with his efforts on the offensive.
Carlton's rearguard has uncovered a number of emerging backmen who are primed for full seasons in 2025 that will aid the loss of Newman, with young Tasmanian Lachie Cowan viewed as a best 23 player for the year ahead.
Flanker Jordan Boyd could be thrust into a starting role given Newman's absence, potentially joining senior figure Adam Saad, Cowan and wingman Ollie Hollands in the backline, with the latter looking set for a stint on the last line of Voss' lineup after a pair of seasons in midfield.
The shuffling of the selection magnets due to Newman's year-ending blow could also see the Blues look to uncapped sophomore Billy Wilson, who joined the club ahead of the 2024 campaign as a speedy and efficient defensive runner.
Noted as a potential long-term replacement for club stalwart Sam Docherty - who could also be in line for an increase in defensive reps due to Newman's injury - Wilson has shown signs as a damaging defensive outlet in his short time in the navy blue.
His pre-season to date, where he has often looked to match Hollands' dash out of defence, has caught the eye as he looks to break through for an AFL debut in his second season at Carlton.
Wilson played 13 VFL games in his maiden campaign with the club, showing poise on the ball in a year that was also limited by a knee injury.
The driven youngster has worked closely with Saad to strengthen his efforts on the defensive end, an aspect of his game that might fall short when juxtaposed with fellow selection contender Boyd.
If Wilson can improve his game as a lockdown option in defence, his chances of taking Newman's role could soon skyrocket.
A part of Carlton's new selection dilemma could also factor in delisted defender Matt Carroll, who has continued to train with the club this summer in a bid to secure a spot under Voss once again.
Having come through the same draft window as Wilson, Carroll endured a luckless first year in the top flight as a groin injury placed him on the sidelines for almost the entirety of the 2024 season.
At the time of his delisting in October, Carroll was confirmed as a Supplemental Selection Period prospect and has since continued training for a contract alongside fellow former Blue Sam Durdin.
Carlton VFL forward Liam McMahon and cut Hawk Denver Graiger-Barras are also in contention for the two vacant list spots at the Blues, which could now grow to three if the club decides to move Newman to its inactive list.
The list flexibility could give Carroll - who has been another taking point this pre-season as a dashing defensive prospect - a stronger chance of earning a career lifeline, with his run and ball use out of the backline among his leading traits.
The Blues have a month until a decision needs to be made on their SSP options, giving Carroll the time to prove he could be one to help fill the Newman void.