Everything You Need to Know About the Carlton Blues in 2024

Michael Voss might be a second-year coach, but he sure looked like he knew what he was doing in 2023. The man steered the ship well, and kudos to him. And let’s talk about our star forward, Charlie Curnow, 81 goals in a season? That’s not just good; that’s ‘get this man a statue’ good. He’s the real deal, and at 26, who knows where the sky-high limit is for this guy?

But hang on a sec – do we give Carlton an A-? Sure, reaching the prelims is no small feat, but let’s be real: the Blues had the potential to be sipping cocktails in the top four. The list, boasting names like Curnow and Cripps, is a contender waiting to happen. Consistency, fellas, consistency.

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The Blues weren’t without their hiccups

There was that ugly six-game losing streak that had fans shaking their heads. Forward-line inefficiency was the villain early on, haunting us like footy ghosts. And let’s not even talk about that Preliminary Final – scoring from only 28.8% of inside 50 entries? Ouch.

When things clicked, though, it was the on-ball brigade leading the charge. Cripps, Walsh, Cerra, and Hewett – they were the maestros orchestrating the symphony of success. But it’s footy, and nothing’s smooth sailing all the time.

Speaking of smooth, how about that lad Curnow? Coleman Medal winner and All-Australian full forward – he’s the kind of player who makes you forget to breathe during a game. With 81 goals, he wasn’t just carrying the team; he was the team.

The lead in to the 2024 AFL season for the beloved Carlton Blues

The team we’d been promised for ages finally arrived, and reaching the prelims after defying expectations is no small feat. But here’s the thing – the Blues could’ve snagged a top-four spot last season. Stacked with legends like Curnow and Cripps, the list is gearing up to be a perennial contender. It’s time to lock in that consistency, folks.

Sure, there were some bumps in the road – a six-game losing streak that had us scratching our heads and forward-line hiccups early in the season. And don’t mention that in the preliminary final, our inside 50 entries were about as fruitful as a watermelon seed in a desert.

When the Blues were on fire, the on-ball crew sparked the magic. Cripps, Walsh, Cerra, and Hewett were the midfield maestros. But, like any footy tale, it wasn’t all smooth sailing.

Now, onto the future. Trade period whispers are circling, and we’re eyeing an elite small forward. Gresham might be out of the picture, but we’re scouting some draft talent – Lance Collard or Jack Delean. Anyone?

Fast forward to the present – that time of the year, post-Christmas break. The hard yards begin, the training ramps up, and we gear up for the 2024 season. Premierships are won, lists are fine-tuned, and new faces bring fresh hope. It’s the grind that sets the stage for footy glory.

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty with some burning questions about the upcoming season:

What does Zac Williams bring to the table on his return?

Williams has promised a lot, but it’s time to deliver. Will he be the game-changer we need or just another name on the list?

Is it Tom De Koning’s time to shine as the number one ruck?

With Pittonet locking in a four-year deal, De Koning is stepping up. Size and strength or athleticism – who’s the top bull in the ruck paddock?

When will Jacob Weitering get the external credit he deserves?

The man’s been a defensive rock, but the All-Australian snub continues. Will 2024 be the year the footy world wakes up to Weitering’s brilliance?

Can Blake Acres maintain the rage in 2024?

Acres showed his worth in 2023 – hardworking, reliable, and a force on the wing. Can he up the ante and make the Robbie Flower Wingman of the Year his own?

What’s the game plan for Big Harry, aka Harry McKay?

The man’s a proven goal-kicker and a contested marking powerhouse. Do we let him roam, snagging those ‘Get out of Jail’ marks and wreaking havoc?

So, Bluebaggers, buckle up for a season that promises thrills, spills, and maybe a bit of Carlton swagger. It’s time to show them what we’re made of – let the games begin!

The Carlton Blues have emerged as the AFL’s new clutch kings in 2024

The Blues have been showcasing their ability to win tight contests with their never-say-die attitude in the 2024 season so far. In their recent nail-biting victory over Fremantle, Carlton secured their seventh win in the last eight games by a margin of 10 points or less. This impressive streak includes their two finals victories from last season. The Blues have also displayed a remarkable resilience, coming from behind at three-quarter time to win three of their last four matches.

Former Demons great Garry Lyon noted that Carlton’s performance has a reminiscent feel of Collingwood’s impressive run in 2022, highlighting the Blues’ innate belief and composure in tight situations. Charlie Curnow, a star player for Carlton, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the team’s trust in their system and each other’s abilities.

Coach Michael Voss commended his team for their perseverance and ability to stick to their game plan until the final siren, even in the face of an untidy performance. He highlighted the growth he has seen in the team’s approach to close contests, with players taking pride in delivering when it matters most.

Although the victory over Fremantle wasn’t without its challenges, Carlton secured a crucial win, marking their first-ever victory at Adelaide Oval and maintaining their undefeated start to the season with a 4-0 record. Despite star forward Harry McKay being held goalless for the first time in 2024, Curnow’s three majors, including a crucial late goal, propelled Carlton to victory.

Looking ahead, Curnow emphasised the team’s focus on playing consistent football throughout the season, rather than getting ahead of themselves with grand aspirations. With their eyes set on playing finals, Carlton remains determined to maintain their strong form.

Carlton defender Jacob Weitering is optimistic about his chances of playing 

After sustaining a corked quad during the Round 6 victory over GWS and despite experiencing soreness immediately after the match, Weitering has been diligently managing his injury and is gradually increasing his workload in training sessions since the weekend.

In an interview with SEN, Weitering acknowledged the discomfort caused by the corked quad but expressed confidence in his recovery progress. He mentioned his experience with similar injuries in the past and highlighted his efforts in compression and icing to alleviate the symptoms. As he returns to training and gradually resumes movement, Weitering is hopeful of participating fully in a main training session.

Reflecting on his recovery journey, Weitering indicated that if he successfully navigates through the training session without any setbacks, he should be available for selection in the upcoming game against Geelong. His positive outlook suggests that he is determined to overcome the injury hurdle and contribute to the team’s efforts on the field.

Meanwhile, Carlton is also monitoring the fitness of other players, including Zac Williams, who was substituted out of the GWS match due to a knock to the Achilles. Additionally, the Blues could potentially welcome back several players from injury, including Adam Cerra, Caleb Marchbank, Lachie Fogarty, and David Cuningham, although Mitch McGovern’s return remains uncertain due to a hamstring injury.

Carlton’s unbeaten streak in 2024 faced a setback amidst a flurry of injuries

There have been concerns about the availability of key players for upcoming Carlton matches. The Blues were compelled to make a late change ahead of their clash with Adelaide due to a hamstring concern for midfielder Adam Cerra, who was replaced by ruckman Marc Pittonet. Cerra’s injury, described as a low-grade strain sustained during training, prompted further assessment to determine the extent of his setback.

During the closely contested match against Adelaide, Carlton encountered additional injury blows as veteran defensive duo Adam Saad and Mitch McGovern both suffered hamstring injuries. The severity of their injuries necessitates scans early in the week, with potential repercussions for their availability in the upcoming Round 6 fixture against GWS. Even minor setbacks could potentially sideline Saad and McGovern for the crucial encounter.

Despite the adversity posed by injuries, Carlton coach Michael Voss refrained from using the limited numbers as an excuse for the narrow defeat. Voss emphasised the team’s responsibility to maximise opportunities and execute efficiently, irrespective of the challenges posed by injuries and positional adjustments during the game.

Looking ahead, Carlton remains hopeful of bolstering their squad with the return of several sidelined players. Defender Caleb Marchbank, Lachie Fogarty, Jesse Motlop, and David Cuningham are among the players anticipated to make their comeback, providing much-needed depth and experience to the team.

Despite the injury setbacks, the Blues found solace in the return of Sam Walsh, who delivered an impressive performance in his first game of the season. Walsh’s impactful contribution, marked by 34 disposals, 13 tackles, and eight clearances, served as a source of encouragement amidst the challenging circumstances faced by Carlton.

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