High expectations. Top four contenders. Challengers for the flag. This is one team that can be summed up in several words.
Carlton made it to the past three finals series and last season won their first finals game (defeated Essendon) since 2001.
Brett Ratten has been kept on as head coach and the team should have all the big guns back from resting on the sideline with injuries.
As the Blues strive for flag number 17, the question that will hover around Ratten’s head as well as his talent young side is, will they deliver in 2012?
Carlton showed the league last year that they now possess an elite engine room – a midfield comprising Judd, Murphy, Gibbs and the ever-improving Robbie Warnock who had a solid 2011 season that was interrupted by injuries only to come back and perform big in two finals games.
Once again, Judd had a very good season last year however the one thing I like about the way this Carlton team played was that they were less reliant on their captain – almost everyone else stepped up and Murph and Gibbs went into the elite category.
Murphy was recognised by the match committee of having a better year than Judd and duly won the club best and fairest. With Gibbs, his efforts were not purely shown in the midfield, but all over the ground – particularly in the defensive half.
The Blues possess depth in each position, similar to Geelong and Hawthorn when you look at the key positions.
Behind the elite three, Carlton has significant contributors in Scotland, Waite, Simpson, Carrazzo, Betts, Walker, Russell and Mitch Robinson.
Player who I have a watch tag on in 2012 are David Ellard – second at the club in tackles and fourth in hardball gets. He ranks right up there with James Kelly and Jude Bolton in these areas. Ellard is very good in clearances and makes the score tacker work during the game. Jamison is another who was in very good form last season – All-Australia form until he suffered an injury.
Rohan Kerr, the 59th pick in the 2009 draft – he has been in the VFL for the past two seasons. Jeremy Laider, a promising defender who started his career at Geelong – only two games however. Sam Rowe is the other who could be a sound forward/ruck for the Blues.
Ratten has set the mark high for his team across the next three years – a premiership to come within that timeframe. For this to happen, they need to beat the best in the business: Geelong, Collingwood, Hawthorn, St Kilda and West Coast – all sides that they couldn’t get by in 2011.
Don’t be surprised if this season is a Blues year.
Macca
Guest
The blues were fourth for tackles last year, they improved dramatically for points against (again in the top 4 or 5 I think) so you may be a year or 2 late with your tag.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Course I did, how else would I know about the downhill skiing? There's a die-hard Blues supporter at my work, should be an interesting year!
The_Wookie
Roar Guru
oh so we're going to have one of these seasons are we redb :p bring it on. Cant wait until we smash your team of chokers and divers again
Macca
Guest
Didn't see the Blues play much last year then Nathan?
Nathan of Perth
Guest
"High expectations. Top four contenders. Challengers for the flag." You forgot "Downhill Skiers".
Redb
Roar Guru
Carlton are cheats. Check the 3rd party deal for Chris Judd they don't deserve a flag. There I said it :) Reckon 4-6th, there is no way they are in front of Pies, Hawks & Cats. Eagles have their measure.
The_Wookie
Roar Guru
they've more or less taken over the Bullants, and so for all intents and purposes its now a Carlton VFl team. Carlton financed, carlton nickname, carlton appointed coaches, most matches at Visy Park.
samwise
Guest
I thought they'd just done a deal to change the name to the Northern Blues?
Andyc
Roar Rookie
Kernahan did say in an interview with "One week at a time" last season that they were $8 million in debt which is the major reason they were so keen to bludgeon the Northern Bullants out of existence. With the 'help' of AFL Victoria and Darebin council, Carlton now a stand alone VFL side.
Steve
Guest
I'm struggling to understand how the writer mentioned St.Kilda as one of the best teams in the business. They weren't that good last year and this year will surely be worse.
Steve
Guest
TomC...did you see last season by Thornton. He was sensational and his improvement has already come. How are Carlton weak in key positions? Jamison, Warnock, Kreuzer, and Waite all weak? Really?
The Cattery
Roar Guru
I was surprised to discover that Carlton has $10 mill in debt: http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/129346/default.aspx They managed to reduce that debt by $700k last year, and are planning to reduce the remainder over the next five years in quite an ambitious plan. They are aiming for 50,000 members this season, which they are on track in achieving.
Macca
Guest
Kreuzer, Waite, Warnock/Hampson plus Walker V Darling, Lynch, Natanui/Cox is a reasonable comparison. It doesn't measure up too bad against Geelong & Collingwood either really (providing the three blue ruckmen improve as expected). They don't have a franklin but then who does.
Tom Dimanis
Roar Pro
The Blues will be up there BUT they really need a good key forward to get hold of the cup. I dare say Kreuzer will spend some time up there but he's better around the ground. All the top four sides from last year possessed at least one good tall in their forward structures.
Macca
Guest
I am not sure they will want to push Kreuzer to far forward, I think him and Waite will play the high forward, pushing through the midfield as targets coming out of defence, Hampson & Warnock will play the ruck/deep forward role, Walker the leading forward with Betts & Garlett the crumbers. I also expect Judd Murphy & Gibbbs to be floated through the forward line so they should have a lot of attacking options.
Cam Larkin
Roar Guru
A fit Kruzeeee this year up forward could be a big difference for the Blues overcoming the Pies, Cats and Hawks.
Macca
Guest
Certainly was, and put another preseason into that frame and he might be about to really stamp his authority on the game. With Hampson being one of the quickest players on the blues list (and having had eye surgery) and Kreuzer being almost a ruck rover it could be an area the blues really improve this year.
Cam Larkin
Roar Guru
Warnock was very good in the finals Carlton played in.
Macca
Guest
Couldn't really comment on Merrett now, recollection is a bit hazy, although Jamison playing in a more successful side could of got him the bickies. I would also say that if Henderson can hold down CHB (which he did pretty well last year) the blue backline looks very solid, with Laidler Jamison, Yarran, Duigan, Henderson & Scotland/Russell/Lucas
TomC
Guest
Yes, probably a bit harsh on Jamison. Although personally I'd say Daniel Merrett was a good thing for the AA spot until he got injured, round about the same time!