Carlton’s newest recruits have begun their inaugural season in the navy blue with a bang.
Number five draft pick, Sam Petrevski-Seton has manipulated his opponents with his zip around the contests and his ability to back up his speed with goals.
The youngster from Perth has kicked a goal in his last two outings in Carlton colours and has backed it up with his immense tackling pressure.
The 19-year-old recorded seven tackles in Round 1 against Richmond and laid eight against the Bombers in Round 3.
It’s only been three rounds, but Petrevski-Seton has already provided the forward pressure that’s been missing from the Blues’ line-up since the days of Eddie Betts.
Harrison Macreadie, the key defender from the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants Academy, has also been a positive inclusion in the young Carlton side.
He hasn’t quite hit his straps yet, but has proved that he has the potential to really intimidate the big key forwards in the competition.
In just three rounds, the 19-year-old is already complementing the aggression of former Giant, Caleb Marchbank.
Once he familiarises his position in the Carlton side, he is sure to be a very important player for the Blues.
2014’s number six pick, Caleb Marchbank, has lived up to the hype of his recruitment.
The key defender recorded 19 disposals in his first outing against Richmond and has continued to impress since then by applying great pressure in the back fifty for the Blues.
In Rounds 2 and 3, the 19-year-old made four and seven tackles, respectively.
The four tackles in Round 2 was a small amount, but it was also the equal match-high amount of tackles for the Blues, therefore proving that he can match it up to the club’s leaders.
The combination of Marchbank and Macreadie will be crucial to preventing other teams killing Carlton’s spirit with a formidable counter-attack or threatening slingshot style of play.
Jarrod Pickett’s recruitment solidified the Blues’ new label as the ‘Carlton Giants’, as he is one of seven former Giants on the Carlton list.
Taken at pick number four by GWS in 2014, Pickett is expected to prove why he went so high in the draft.
Against Melbourne in Round 2, he kicked his first goal in Carlton colours, kick-starting his confidence for the year ahead.
He has been an active player in the first three rounds, showing intent in and around the contests to run and carry the footy.
His numbers haven’t been electric as of yet but the midfielder-forward is sure to turn it on in the later rounds in the year.
Although the Blues’ start to the year has been mediocre, Carlton’s emerging youngsters have provided the navy blue faithful with a glimpse into the exciting future that lies ahead.
Macca
Guest
"NO.1 draft pick Andrew McGrath has taken just a month for his talent to be recognised, named the AFL Rising Star nomination for Round 4."
Macca
Guest
Don - No one said Fiorini wouldn't get the nomination this week or win the whole thing for that matter - I just wondered if Silvagni was a chance based on a very good performance, no one forced you to suggest there were 7 players who did better but once you did naming just one is pretty pathetic and seems to be doing nothing more than trying to start an argument. By the by in round 1 Sam Pepper Powell got the nomination with 19 possessions, 3 marks, 2 goals and 2 tackles, in round 2 it was Ryan Burton with 26 possessions, 9 marks, 4 tackles and no goals while in round 3 Brandan Parfitt got the nod with 23 possessions, 2 marks 5 tackles and a goal - Silvagnis 14 possessions, 10 marks 4 tackles and 3 goals sits pretty comfortably amongst them.
Don Freo
Guest
Just a little copy and paste from today's Roar talking points... "Fiorini should be the Rising Star fave...31 touches, six clearances and two goal assists – damn good numbers for a mature midfielder at the peak of his powers, ridiculous stuff from a kid playing his fourth AFL game. Brayden Fiorini may not be a household name just yet, having been hidden away up on the Gold Coast, but you can expect him to be soon." You heard it from me before that. Don't be distracted by Macca. He just wants petty arguments. Happy to talk footy with you.
Lofty
Guest
I think McGrath would be in with a good chance, Great efficiency for a 4th game player. Going on Fiorini,s stats he had a great game as well. I don't believe you can just go on stats. You need to see some of these players in action. Which is why I asked the original question. I was under the impression Don had watched a fair bit and had something usefull to add to the conversation.
Macca
Guest
Aransan - Don just made a ridiculous statement with no evidence and instead of admitting it is trying to bluff his way through. McGrath was good but fiorini will take some beating - although sometimes I think they give it to someone they don't think will have another outstanding week
Don Freo
Guest
Do you think Fiorini didn't play well?
Aransan
Guest
Macca and Lofty, my guess is that Don believes there were seven eligible players playing for Carlton. McGrath is a serious chance this week: A 28-possession performance - at 85 per cent efficiency.
Lofty
Guest
Thanks for that Don. Great answer. One out of seven. Why bother voicing an opinion and then not following it up.
Aransan
Guest
McGrath would be well in the mix.
Macca
Guest
Geez Don for once can you give a straight answer!
Don Freo
Guest
One would expect you've been following the games if you are that interested. You can pick at least 7 yourself. I'd be looking towards Fiorini so far.
Macca
Guest
How any play for Freo Don?
Lofty
Guest
No problem with that comment Don. Who are these players I should be looking out for? As you probably understand its quite difficult keeping up to date with things when you live in WA.
Don Freo
Guest
7 eligible players this round more impressive. He'll have to wait until Jo or SOS get a vote.
Lofty
Guest
He would be in with a chance with those stats but did not see the game to comment any more. Waiting for the next rant about his morally corrupt father if he does. To be honest I'm losing interest in any Roar article which mentions Carlton because of one persons hate for the club. In saying that he is pretty good at taking a shot at the blues on articles that have nothing to do with the blues.
Macca
Guest
I wonder If Jack Silvagni's 14 disposal 10 mark and 3 goal game is enough to get him a nomination this week?
Don Freo
Guest
Yep.
The Original Buzz
Guest
4 Rounds in and there have been some standouts already, hard for me to pick a winner just yet, Don.
The Original Buzz
Guest
That was awesome Col, the kids are the ones that drag the parents to the games. Bolts is really embracing the whole of club concept and including the fans. That would be the teacher and parent in Bolton driving that.
The Original Buzz
Guest
You explained your position on the 4th May this year? How? Did I miss something because I thought May came after April.