All the AFL lists are finalised for 2018, and now is the time to start looking into what each club’s best team looks like.
This analysis won’t factor in injuries or early season suspensions, as they are looking at the best team from the list they have. Here is my view on Carlton’s best 22 in 2018.
Previous articles
Adelaide’s Best 22
Brisbane’s Best 22
Best 22
B: Lachie Plowman, Liam Jones, Caleb Marchbank
HB: Kade Simpson, Jacob Weitering, Sam Docherty
C: Sam Petrevski-Seton, Patrick Cripps, Darcy Lang
HF: Matt Kennedy, Charlie Curnow, Matthew Wright
F: Jack Silvagni, Levi Casboult, Harry McKay
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Marc Murphy, Ed Curnow
I/C: Paddy Dow, Zac Fisher, David Cuningham, Dale Thomas
Depth: Sam Kerridge, Jed Lamb, Sam Rowe, Harrison Macreadie, Cameron Polson, Tom Williamson, Nick Graham, Jarrod Pickett, Andrew Phillips, Patrick Kerr, Ciaran Byrne, Tom De Koning, Jarrod Garlett, Matthew Lobbe, Aaron Mullett, Lochie O’Brien, Cam O’Shea, Angus Schumacher, Jesse Glass-McCasker, Kym LeBois, Alex Silvagni, Cillian McDaid, Matt Shaw
Defence
I have selected a fairly tall yet flexible defence for the young Blues. Liam Jones, the feel-good story of 2017, is at full-back. Jones used to be a key forward, but was placed in defence in the VFL, and managed to earn his spot, having a breakout game against GWS and continuing that form. He will be expected to continue that into next season.
Former number three pick Lachie Plowman is in the back pocket, as he will create flexibility to play on either opposition tall or small forwards. Another top-three pick, Jacob Weitering, is coming into his third year, and will no doubt be given the centre-half back role to further develop himself as a defender.
(AAP Image/Julian Smith)
Caleb Marchbank, a top-ten pick, had a breakthrough year in his first year at the Blues, and no doubt demands a spot in defence as a third tall defender.
Veteran Kade Simpson represented Australia in the 2017 IRS against the best of Gaelic Football, and I can’t imagine him not being in the Blues’ starting 18 given he provides plenty of leadership to a young Blues defence and gives it his best week in week out.
I have placed Sam Docherty on the other half back flank as he was one of the best rebounding defenders last season, however will not be available to take the position in 2018 due to an ACL injury.
This gives a number of players an opportunity, such as Harrison Macreadie, Tom Williamson, Jarrod Garlett, Aaron Mullett, Lochie O’Brien, and Cam O’Shea. All have the potential to play on the half-back flank, and could definitely develop into solid players or future stars to be called upon throughout the 2018 season.
Midfield
The Blues’ midfield is filled with many young stars, as well as experienced heads to guide the club forward. Matthew Kreuzer takes the number one ruck rol, ahead of Andrew Phillips, Matthew Lobbe, and Tom De Koning, following a career-best season from the injury-prone big man.
Marc Murphy is the Carlton skipper, and unless injured, will be in the team to guide their young, inexperienced heads. Ed Curnow will be 28 years old in Round 1 next season, and will be selected to provide experience to the team.
Sam Petrevski-Seton had an electrifying first season, playing 20 games and kicking a legendary goal against the Demons in the Round 16 loss. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he did have a slight blip from his first-year form, and have the second-year blues like many before him. However, I’m backing him in to continue to make an impact in Carlton’s best 22.
Patrick Cripps missed the later part of the 2017 season due to injury, but will easily get a spot as an on-baller due to being a fantastic inside ball-winner, and a potential future captain.
(Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Former Cat Darcy Lang would be expected to feature in the Blues’ best 22 due his youth and great potential, which gives them another piece of the future premiership puzzle.
Attack
The forward line is another youth-filled part of the ground. However, it contains loads of exciting potential for the future. Spearhead Levi Casboult takes the full-forward position as he has fantastic marking ability, and will be able to claw in some strong grabs when it’s kicked to him from the midfielders.
Charlie Curnow, brother of Ed, takes centre-half-forward, and will have the potential to rotate through the midfield with Petrevski-Seton and Cripps, which will provide flexibility in the line-up.
Harry McKay is in the forward pocket as he showed potential late last season when he was called upon as a tall forward, and will be able to play at full-forward and centre-half-forward during games when there are rotations occurring.
Jack Silvagni is a young, promising, medium-sized forward who will be able to play either as a tall or a small depending on what is needed to outplay the opposition.
Matt Kennedy comes in from the Giants as another forward-mid, and will provide rotations as well as the ability to play as a tough onballer. The Giants would no doubt be disappointed in the loss of Kennedy, as he would have been an ideal replacement for Steve Johnson in their best 22.
Matthew Wright led the Carlton goalkicking in 2016 and finished second behind Levi Casboult in 2017, so expect to see him feature in the starting 18 given his experience and ability.
Interchange
As pick number three from the 2017 draft, Paddy Dow gets an opportunity straight away given his great talent, and is a key part of the future for the Blues. Fellow youngster Zac Fisher played 17 games in his first season, and he’ll likely continue that form into next year and show everyone the potential he contains.
David Cuningham played eight games, up from the three he played in 2016, and he is likely to continue to get increasing opportunities at the Blues to continue his rate of development.
Veteran Dale Thomas looks to be playing his last season in 2018, despite improved form in 2017, as they will likely look to open his space up for a younger player.
(AAP Image/Julian Smith)
The unlucky players
Young defender Harrison Macreadie is unlucky to not be in the best 22, as he played eight games in his first year as a key position player. He will likely gain more opportunities and experience throughout the 2018 season.
Tom Williamson played 15 games last year, and will get increased opportunities due to Sam Docherty’s ACL injury. Speedy forward Jarrod Pickett will be hoping for regular opportunities to demonstrate his footy smarts and why the Blues were interested in him.
Rebounding defenders Jarrod Garlett, Aaron Mullett, and Cam O’Shea are likely to be the main competitors for Sam Docherty’s spot in his absence.
What do you think Roarers? What’s your view on the Blues’ best 22?
Macca
Guest
"CARLTON Football Club is pleased to announce an operating profit of $2.4 million before depreciation and amortisation, with a final statutory profit of $678,580 for the year ending 31 October, 2017." "The on and off-field improvement at Carlton continues, after recording a $1.1 million operating profit before depreciation and amortisation for the year ending October 31, 2016. Including depreciation and amortisation, the Club recorded a net deficit of $765,000 – in comparison with $2.7 million in 2015" Must be real frustration at board level over that performance, $2m bottom line improvement from 2015 to 2016 and then a $1.4m improvement from 2016 to 2017 - its a disgrace!
Macca
Guest
Thanks Col, hopefully we can get through the next couple of months injury free
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
Pickett looked in good nick (no fat rumours for next season) and was zippy in the drills as were Garlett and Le Bois. Kerr also looked in good shape so there should be some good competition for forward spots next year.
Macca
Guest
What did you make of Pickett? If he and H can make an impact this year it really changes the team.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
Yes I got there Macca. It was a very hot day but the boys put in a solid two and a half hours. They all look in great shape as you would expect and Big Harry is certainly a lot more solid. There were about 300 supporters watching the boys in action and we were all smiling. Ben Silvagni, Oskar Manton and Will Hickmott were also running around with the boys and all 3 are a good size and showed some good skills. Could be a big draft for the Blues next year.
Macca
Guest
Hey Col, did you get to the open day today? Any thoughts?
Zed16
Guest
So you had half your side out between 2010 and 2015. Yeah right... Between 2010 and 2017 we beat you by more than 10 goals on 4 occasions to your one and none in 2016 when half your team was missing. The results are the results my misguided friend..
Macca
Guest
Yeah Williamson did look big. He actually spent the break training with my nephew in Ararat, he definitely is willing to do the hard work. He has also been told they are looking to play him through the middle long term.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
He has certainly bulked up Macca. Saw a photo of Tom Williamson who has also put on some muscle.
Macca
Guest
Col - the last picture wasn't great quality but there is nothing wrong with this one https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DRC5i2tXcAIfm9K.jpg
Harsh Truth Harry
Roar Rookie
what are you even saying Zed? This was all happening while the Bombers had half their side out and we still beat you half the time champ!
Macca
Guest
Col - this picture isn't great quality but the bloke in it has definitely bulked up https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/pre-season-2018-training-pics-etc.1181385/page-52 View attachment 444745
Harsh Truth Harry
Roar Rookie
The difference is I hate carlton Col I dont hate Freo, I just happen to think they will be bottom 6 in 2018. As for carlton I know they will be bottom 4 I would put my house and business on it.
Macca
Guest
Col - It is odd isn't it, last year I predicted Freo would make the finals but then when there performances didn't match that expectation I criticised them. This year I am predicting the bombers will be around the bottom of the 8 depending on how their 3 big recruits go. Apparently this is incredibly harsh and on a par with the rubbish Mattyb and HTH spout - with overly sensitive accusations seem like projecting to me.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
Oh Matty you really do come up with some beauties now and then. Carlton fans are generally front of line to criticize Fremantle and now Essendon. Why don't you ask your 'new best mate' HTH what he thinks of Fremantle. If you think his comments about Carlton are right then his opinions on Freo must be correct. In Harrys words "Freo are not much chop" and are a bottom 6 side. So is Harry right on Freo or do you just agree with his negative comments about Carlton because they are scarily similar to your comments.
Harsh Truth Harry
Roar Rookie
Mattyb I come from an era where the great rivalry of Essendon, Richmond, Carlton and Collingwood with passionate fans of each. I have plenty of Blues fans now and then. Back then they didn;t put up with these performances and certainly dont start saying like Macca and Col in November, start saying two more years at the bottom thanks and then we improve. That for me is the biggest indictment on the once proud carlton, the fact that fans like Macca meekly accept bottom four and wooden spoons as the new normal. I am comforted by having plenty of mates who barrack for the Blues but agree with me that Bolton and SOS are not doing anything except more despair.
Mattyb
Guest
Well said Harry,of course we want Carlton to improve and its staggering how low the standards of the fans have slipped. Interesting that while the Carlton fans are so sensative about any comments about their tragic little club they are generally front of the line to criticise Fremantle or now it seems Essendon.
Macca
Guest
"Do you honestly think people in higher places than here will be so forgiving if the club again struggles to move out of the bottom 3 or 4 or if the membership issues don’t address themselves?" The blues have never had more than 33k members before Christmas - the currently have 34,595 - I doubt there is great wailing and gnashing of teeth down Royal Parade.
Zed16
Guest
Some interesting results in the last 8 seasons Harry Season Rnd Won by Margin 2017 R20 Essendon 8 2017 R3 Carlton 15 2016 R23 Essendon 24 2016 R6 Carlton 15 2015 R3 Essendon 21 2014 R23 Draw 2014 R3 Essendon 81 2013 R22 Essendon 6 2013 R11 Essendon 5 2012 R21 Carlton 96 2012 R4 Essendon 30 2011 EF Carlton 62 2011 R18 Carlton 74 2011 R4 Draw 2010 R19 Carlton 76 2010 R3 Essendon 20
Harsh Truth Harry
Roar Rookie
No wonder the blues are losing the membership race, collecting wooden spoons faster than my dear old late aunty and generally losing money hand over fist, they are running the club like Fawlty Towers! fair dinkum, give me one year at that club and I could get your club sorted! It's just I don't like them or I could volunteer! if Big Harry walks in with my arms like steel girders, there would be a few cleaning out their lockers let me tell you!