6. Strengths and Weaknesses

There's no doubt Carlton's strength lies in their defence. Jacob Weitering was very unlucky to fall short of a maiden All-Australian blazer in 2020 and he has formed a formidable partnership with Liam Jones.

Lachie Plowman had an outstanding year playing both big and small and the arrival of Adam Saad will make his life a lot easier, as it will for Sam Docherty who won't have to carry the load of launching attacks from defence with Saad now taking over that responsibility.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 04: Lachie Plowman of the Blues handballs away from Daniel Rich of the Lions during the round 11 AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on June 4, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

They have plenty of depth their as well, where they don't have as much depth is their midfield. While it isn't a bear-boned as it has been in the past it is still the area the Blues lack in the most. The addition of Zac Williams is a huge plus but they need the likes of Paddy Dow, Lochie O'Brien, Sam Petrevski-Seton and Matt Kennedy to take the next step and share the load.

If they don't get that lift, the load could again be too much for too few and see the Blues lose touch with the top eight.