Few teams will enter the 2023 season with more eyes on them than Carlton.
In 2022, the Blues exceeded pre-season expectations yet failed to deliver in the biggest spots.
They missed finals by a solitary point in the final round but displayed patches of elite-level footy throughout the season.
Now, with a slightly upgraded list and added motivation to make finals and contend for a premiership, the Blues are a must-watch side in 2023.
Ins: Blake Acresย (trade, Fremantle),ย Jaxon Binnsย (No.32 draft pick),ย Lachie Cowanย (No.30 draft pick),ย Oliver Hollandsย (No.11 draft pick),ย Harry Lemmeyย (No.47 draft pick)
Outs: Will Hayesย (delisted),ย Oscar McDonaldย (delisted),ย Jack Newnesย (delisted),ย Luke Parksย (delisted),ย Will Setterfieldย (trade, Essendon),ย Liam Stockerย (delisted), Tom Williamsonย (delisted)
Here we assess Carlton's depth chart for 2023 and name their best 23-man side.
Defenders
Carlton were forced to experiment in defence last year after the permanent loss of Liam Jones and the temporary loss Jacob Weitering during the season.
Lewis Young proved to be a valuable pickup, ensuring himself a spot as the secondary key backman to Weitering.
Sam Docherty was one of the stories of the year with a sensational return to form after numerous off-field health scares.
Adam Saad displayed his All-Australian talent with a brilliant year, while Zac Williams showed glimpses in his nine outings but left Blues fans wanting more.
The Carlton faithful are still waiting to see a full year out of Caleb Marchbank who has dealt with consistent injury woes since 2019. He has shown that he can be impactful as a third intercept defender when healthy and he could be crucial in taking pressure off Weitering and Young.
Mitch McGovern will be under pressure to perform but still has tremendous upside as a potential contested marking utility. He'll need a big pre-season to prove his worth and live up to his hefty contract.
Midfielders
Carlton may have the deepest midfield in the competition in 2023, led by Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh.
The emergence of George Hewett was a big part of Carlton's success last year, adding to their midfield quality and depth.
Adam Cerra was another recruit who had a positive first year at the Blues, but still has room to improve at just 23 years old.
A fully healthy Carlton midfield might force Cerra to slide to a wing, but he is certainly capable of being Carlton's third midfield option once the season gets rolling.
New recruit Blake Acres will slot straight onto the wing and look to continue from his good form in Freo, while Matthew Kennedy will roll through the middle after a breakout season in 2022, averaging 25 disposals.
The other wing spot, should it not fall to Cerra, will be up for grabs between the likes of Matt Cottrell, Lochie O'Brien or top draft selection Oliver Hollands this year.
Marc Pittonet is the likely first option at ruck, but don't be surprised by a potential breakout season from Tom De Koning, who will be looking to earn a big contract at Carlton or elsewhere.
Forwards
Carlton's forward line is headlined by their key position players, Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow; fresh off a Coleman Medal year. These two provide arguably the most threatening one-two punch of any forward line in the competition and will be key to the Blues' success in 2023.
Jack Martin and Zac Fisher will likely be the players cursed with the high half-forward role, with Fisher rolling up to the wing at times.
The small forward roles at Carlton are certainly up for grabs, but Jesse Motlop and Corey Durdin were probably their two most dangerous smalls in 2022 with their ability to hit the scoreboard and worry opposition defenders. Matt Owies and Josh Honey would also be tussling for a spot here.
Jack Silvagni and Mitch McGovern may provide value forward of centre also, likely as late game marking options or for alternative game-planning purposes.
Best 23
FB: Sam Docherty, Jacob Weitering, Caleb Marchbank
HB: Zac Williams,ย Lewis Young,ย Adam Saad
C: Blake Acres,ย Sam Walsh,ย Adam Cerra
HF: Jack Martin,ย Charlie Curnow, Zac Fisher
FF: Jesse Motlop,ย Harry McKay, Corey Durdin
FOL: Marc Pittonet,ย Patrick Cripps, George Hewett
I/C: Jack Silvagni, Mitch McGovern, Lochie O'Brien, Matthew Kennedy
Sub: Nic Newman
Emerg: Lachie Plowman, Matthew Cottrell, Matthew Owies, Tom De Koning
We've picked our side, now it's time for you to pick yours with our PICK YOUR TEAM page.
