After it was revealed on Thursday the Blues would be without forward Jack Silvagni for the entirety of the 2024 season due to a ruptured ACL, devastation was justifiably the reactionary sentiment.ย
It's indubitably a cruel blow for the 26-year-old father-son gun, who earned a two-year contract extension late last year to remain at Princes Park in the medium term.ย
Albeit, after the initial despondency within Carlton Football Club headquarters, the next point of focus should regard the Blues forwards, who subsequently need to step up in place of Silvagni.ย
Irrespective of the fact that he sometimes fell out of coach Michael Voss' favour last season amongst a forward-line already containing juggernaut spearheads Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay, at his best, Silvagni was a member of the Blues' optimal squad.ย
Thus, whether it's as an immediate starter in Voss' Opening Round squad, as a 12-to-14-game fringe option, or even as an infrequently-appearing depth piece, here are five Carlton forwards who could see increased opportunities in 2024 as a result of Silvagni sitting on the sidelines.ย
1. Jack Martin
While a considerable emphasis has been placed on Martin's health in the past, it arguably doesn't compare to his required availability this year.ย
The 28-year-old medium forward missed 12 games last season after suffering a calf injury against Richmond in Round 1, and even upon his return to AFL action, he was substituted out of consecutive games against the Bombers and Suns.ย
When fit and firing, though, Martin was instrumental in large portions for the Blues last season, particularly during their finals run.
Martin's two goals and pair of critical intercept marks in the waning stages of the Blues' victory over Sydney were monumental and symbolic of his wide-ranging impact.ย
The Geraldton product is eight centimetres shorter than Silvagni, though his impact among Carlton's forward mix as a de facto third tall can't be understated and shouldn't be underestimated.ย
