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.
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.
The Blues bat deep in midfield, but there is a sense that captain Patrick Cripps needs more support on a consistent basis.
Star ball winners Sam Walsh and Adam Cerra have both faced injury setbacks in recent years to quell their impact, with the latter entering a critical campaign at Princes Park after a lean 2024.
Walsh could soon surpass Cripps as the Blues' main man in the middle, despite the Carlton captain polling a record 45 Brownlow votes last season.
George Hewett will add a defensive side to the Blues' midfielder planning, while Sam Docherty's composure and leadership are sure to be utilised through the middle.
A void has been created in the engine room with the departure of Matt Kennedy to the Western Bulldogs, opening the door for several emerging midfielder to push for a starting spot.
Pick 3 selection Jagga Smith could have an instant impact in navy blue after having no issue in the VFL for Richmond last year as a teenager, while 2024 Mid-Season Draft recruit Cooper Lord has turned heads since joining the club.
Father-son duo Ben and Lucas Camporeale might not get a look at senior level in 2025, but they'll offer healthy competition from underneath as they likely press for wing roles.
Those spots will be claimed by Blake Acres, Matt Cottrell and Jaxon Binns, with the likes of Docherty, Smith and Cerra also able to rotate wide.
The ruck situation at Carlton is a curious one, with the Blues expected to use Tom De Koning full-time in the middle after years spent between the central and forward thirds.
De Koning was a dominant presence in his switch to the first-string ruck role before being struck down with injury, with Marc Pittonet a more-than-serviceable backup option.
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.
FB: Nick Haynes, Jacob Weitering, Nic Newman
HB: Oliver Hollands, Mitch McGovern, Adam Saad
C: Sam Docherty, Sam Walsh, Blake Acres
HF: Elijah Hollands, Harry McKay, Matt Cottrell
FF: Jesse Motlop, Charlie Curnow, Zac Williams
FO: Tom De Koning, Patrick Cripps, Adam Cerra
I/C: Lachie Cowan, George Hewett, Jagga Smith, Lachie Fogarty
SUB: Cooper Lord
Others to consider: Brodie Kemp, Marc Pittonet, Orazio Fantasia, Jack Silvagni, Jordan Boyd, Corey Durdin, Jaxon Binns, Ashton Moir, Lewis Young, Alex Cincotta