Carlton and its fans can now breathe a sigh of relief after an emotion-filled Sunday eventually led to securing eighth position and a finals spot.
The Blues were dramatically downed by St Kilda after Jack Higgins snapped a goal with seconds remaining, leaving their fate in Fremantle's hands.
Luckily, a rampant Port Adelaide side - with a home qualifying final up for grabs - ruined the Dockers' finals aspirations, and kept Carlton's alive.
With an elimination final confirmed against Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday evening (7.30 pm AEST), September 7th, Michael Voss can begin planning, and a lot of it will revolve around the availability of his stars.
It has been widely documented that the Blues' extensive injury list has hindered its push for a double chance and almost cost them a spot in September.
However, with the mandatory pre-finals bye, Voss can be buoyed by the potential return of key players, inclusive of its twin towers.
Carlton injury list
(Updated Aug 20)
| Player | Injury |
Estimated Return
|
| Charlie Curnow | Ankle | Test |
| Mitch McGovern | Hamstring | Test |
| Caleb Marchbank | Concussion | Test |
| Jack Martin | Hamstring | 1 week |
| Harry McKay | Quad | 1 week |
| Adam Cerra | Hamstring | TBC |
| Tom De Koning | Foot | 2-3 weeks |
| Sam Docherty | Knee | TBC |
| Jordan Boyd | Adductor | 2-5 weeks |
It is expected by the elimination final that Curnow, McGovern, Marchbank, Martin and McKay will all be available for selection.
Carlton has left the door open for a miraculous Docherty return despite tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in Opening Round against Brisbane.
De Koning will be given every chance to play, while Cerra and Boyd will need to prove their fitness.
But who makes room? And what changes will Voss make?
The Blues will not want to go up to the Gabba taking in underdone or injured players.
Curnow, McGovern and McKay, you'd think, would be locked to return, forcing unlucky youngsters Ashton Moir, Lachlan Cowan and Jack Carroll from the side.
Marc Pittonet's place has been vulnerable for most of the season, given De Koning's rise to stardom, and could miss out if he's available. However, Voss has, in the past, played the duo in finals to avoid playing McKay in the ruck.
Marchbank could be selected over Lewis Young, while Brodie Kemp could be forced from the side after filling a role in the forward line.
However, consideration over Cerra, Martin, Boyd and Docherty will go down to the wire.
Cerra and Martin's bodies have struggled to stand up consistently in 2024, while Docherty has missed almost the entire season, and his fitness may not be at the level finals require.
Boyd has been a mainstay for Carlton in defence but has missed the past fortnight.
Carlton has experimented with some of its youngsters and provided some much-needed experience for the future.
But when the whips are cracking, the likes of Cooper Lord, Jesse Motlop, Jaxon Binns and Moir are the first to make room.
There will be for an increase of intrigue at the selection table, which will be poised for 10 days time.
