Carlton might have the best list on paper in the AFL, but that only gets you so far in a premiership race.
The Blues are home to some of the best players across each positional line but have continued to fall short of expectations, with 2025 hoping to be a fruitful year for Michael Voss' men.
While Carlton's top line of stars will again be a major influence, it might be their lower third of talent that can help them go an extra step or two.
With plenty of stars at their peak and a handful of young guns improving each year, we look at Carlton's best 23 for the coming season, assessing their defenders, midfielders and forwards before naming our predicted side.
Our Best 23 for 2025 series will include players unavailable for the start of the season, only excluding players who are expected to miss most/all of the season through injury/suspension.
1. Defenders
The Blues acted over the off-season to add some needed experience and height to partner star backman Jacob Weitering in defence, signing 211-game Giant Nick Haynes via free agency.
The veteran stopper should slot into a starting role alongside Weitering on Michael Voss' last line, with fellow tall Mitch McGovern the third key position backman likely leading from defence.
Lewis Young - who was placed on the open market following the 2024 season - will have a point to prove this year and will be eyeing a starting role down back,. placing selection pressure on the likes of Weitering, Haynes and McGovern.
Youngster Lachie Cowan will offer some help in the air as a maturing medium-sized backman, while swingman pair Brodie Kemp and Jack Silvagni could also assist down back.
The Blues have a good balance of ground level defenders at their disposal, with veteran pair Adam Saad and Nic Newman both being two-way threats - offering plenty of run from the defensive 50 while being accountable for their direct opponent.
Young flanker Ollie Hollands looks in line for a move to half-back to assist the Blues' run and carry game, while second-year defender Billy Wilson will be one to watch in this space also, working under champion Sam Docherty - who will also get a look in defence.
Fringe defender Jordan Boyd is another stopper option, while Alex Cincotta has proven to be a lockdown player who can also slot into a half-back role.
