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.
3. Forwards
Home to a pair of Coleman Medal winners, the Blues' attacking contingent can be as damaging as any on its day.
Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay will again cobine to form a lethsl tall forward duo for Carlton, but it'll be the names around them that make the most difference in 2025.
The search for a third tall forward is back on, with the Blues having Jack Silvagni available once again while Brodie Kemp looks to prove his value as a key piece in Michael Voss' side. Second-year forward Ashton Moir could also make his case known for a starting role forward of the ball also.
The Blues' group of small forward will also be in a tight selection fight, with Matt Owies' departure over the off-season opening up a sizeable hole.
Jesse Motlop looks to be the obvious choice to take the reins as the club's new lead goalsneaks, with Orazio Fantasia, Zac Williams and Corey Durdin also pressing their case.
Elijah Hollands will likely feature at half-forward and get the occasion run through midfield as a conduit player higher up the field, while Lachie Fogarty is a promising defensive forward who can also set up his teammates on the attack.
