Carlton should remember the pain but be optimistic for what the future holds

It has been nine long years since Carlton tasted September action.

That’s why, when Jamie Elliott came up clutch and put the final dagger in the Baggers’ top eight hopes, it was such a disheartening loss for a club that has come back from so much hardship.

Yes, overall it can be considered a disappointing season having started the season 8-2 and carrying a wave of momentum which came with even higher expectations. In saying that though, the term ‘failure’ being thrown around is a stretch too far.

Despite not being involved in September, it shouldn’t take away from the progress that Michael Voss has instilled in this promising core of players.

Why should the 16-time premiers be excited and keep their heads up for the years to come?

Firstly, let’s start by stating the obvious which is the number of injuries that the Blues had to endure throughout the entire season.

Games missed throughout 2022:

Caleb Marchbank – 18
Mitch McGovern – 15
Marc Pittonet – 14
Zac Williams – 13
Jack Martin – 10
George Hewett – 7
Matthew Kennedy – 5
Adam Cerra – 4
Jacob Weitering – 4
Harry McKay – 3
Sam Walsh – 2

Some could argue that the medical staff are at fault for the conditioning and amount of key injuries, but no team has lost 95 games’ experience this year.

The constant chopping and changing of the starting 22 does no favours for consistency, which has been evident in the past few weeks.

Although not consistent, Voss has done an incredible job in gelling his players together to accommodate his game structure and exciting brand of footy, which is not easy when there are so many on the treatment table.

Michael Voss addresses the Blues (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

With a few acquisitions in some important areas, this outfit has the potential to cement its place as a genuine top-four contender.

Key forwards Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay have won the past two Coleman medals, so a mature forward with some experience under his belt, such as free agent Jack Gunston, would be a much-needed boost.

Another small forward would be a valuable addition, someone with the ability to bring the ball to ground and offer more versatility.

Could the Blues do with a star ruckman? This is a position that has gone under the radar in the past few years and a player like Brodie Grundy could be useful for the midfield to get more clearances and touches.

For the brand of footy that Carlton wants to implement from the back half to the forward 50, a better wingman would help transition the ball faster and create more opportunities for an already impressive forward line.

At the back, they have already added Sam Durdin in the mid-season draft in the SANFL and should look to tap into the Adelaide market once again. The recruiting team should keep the option open to trade for former number six pick Fischer McAsey as the 21-year-old’s future has been left uncertain after a couple of COVID-riddled seasons and a year playing in the reserves at Adelaide.

There is a lot of solidity both in midfield and defence, which will only improve with more matches as a core group without the injuries. The foundations are there. It just needs a few tweaks in the draft and the off-season to elevate them to that next level.

This has helped through the board showing some steadiness and balance to make key decisions and be on the same page after the independent review was completed last year to enhance the on-field performances.

The number one reason Blues supporters should feel bullish about their future is the work done by Voss, who has done phenomenal work in his first year at the helm.

Since his first coaching stint at the Brisbane Lions back in 2009, Voss has done all of the right things and plied his trade as an assistant coach at Port Adelaide for six years to gain more experience and nous under Ken Hinkley.

With his vast experience and coaching knowledge, he has structured Carlton into an aggressive side who fight tooth and nail for one another and are willing to take the game on, attacking with purpose.

Doubters could argue that he is responsible for the dip in concentration shown in the key moments which cost them finals, but that is also down to the players’ lack of experience.

Voss’ maturity and understanding of the bigger picture should be applauded, especially after the loss on Sunday. In all of his press conferences he has spoken admirably and with a positive attitude, which shows the belief he has in his playing group and staff behind the scenes.

He knows full well that this project is only getting started.

After the epic loss against the Pies, Voss remained upbeat in such a difficult moment, saying, “I said to them ‘look, let’s not forget about this moment, let’s not forget about it. Let’s use how we feel right now as a motivator’.”

The next few years are in safe hands under the 47-year-old.

Fans can be hopeful due to the great mix of both youth and experience, with the overall squad list averaging 24.2 years.

The loss against arch-rivals Collingwood on Sunday will continue to hurt for everyone associated with the club for a long time yet.

Although the pain will not vanish, the club should embrace that pain to motivate and reassure them that they really aren’t far off from achieving something special.

It was small margins that cost Carlton in the end. Poor execution on set shots, chances to kill off some time on the clock, and poor execution on some key passes were the difference between finals and an early vacation.

However, what’s most important is that the club can appreciate that they are heading in the right direction and are just a few tiny details away from challenging the top teams.

It is true that the ladder doesn’t lie, but ninth position fails to paint the full picture of this promising club.

They must now stick to the plan they have in place and have the confidence that they belong with the best.

In 2023, expect the Baggers to fix some mistakes, run the same game style that had fans and neutrals so enraptured, and hopefully keep injury free to give them the best chance of success.

Carlton, remember the pain and translate it into a fiery response.