Blues plan to replenish list in 2023 AFL draft, set to chase Sun
The Blues picked themselves up off the canvas in June to make a run all the way to the second-last week of the season, but after their loss to Brisbane, how do they get back to challenge again?
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Carlton is on the verge of announcing new one-year deals for rejuvenated defender Caleb Marchbank and forward David Cuningham as the Blues pursue Gold Coast midfielder Elijah Hollands.
The Blues crashed out of the premiership race after jumping Brisbane early on Saturday night but showed they will be contenders in years to come with their finals performance.
A list that has only one player over 30 – defender Nic Newman – will attack the draft and make limited changes given the A-grade talent on show.
Contracted half back Zac Fisher is yet to officially make up his mind on being traded but is expected to move to North Melbourne on a deal the Herald Sun reported could be up to five years.
The Blues are open to that trade, while midfielder Paddy Dow is likely to make his way to St Kilda for a later pick.
Josh Honey, Lachie Plowman, Sam Durdin and Sam Philp are all uncontracted, with Ollie Hollands’ brother Elijah a player of strong interest.
Gold Coast is open to a trade for the former top 10 pick but would want future selections given its 2023 picks will be swallowed up by matching academy bids.
As dual Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow struggled through three finals with only one goal in each match, Harry McKay’s importance to the Blues was underlined.
Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd told Channel 9 on Sunday Curnow should have done more across those three finals.
“He just didn’t fight. He didn’t fight hard enough. You cannot mark them yourself but he shouldn’t be getting out-marked like he was by opposition players. He was too accepting through the finals series. It would have happened to him 10-12 times through the finals series where he was happy to be pushed under the footy,” he said.
Inspirational former captain Sam Docherty said on Saturday night he was expected to dodge surgery for the shoulder dislocation that saw him playing hurt against former side Brisbane.
A period of rest is expected to see him fully recover with limited damage to the shoulder.
Coach Michael Voss is expected to secure a new deal over summer after dragging the Blues into their first finals series since 2013.
The club will also have to make decisions on CEO Brian Cook and president Luke Sayers, who both have options to remain at the club past 2024.
Cook could sign a new deal or announce a successor, while Sayers can ask the members for one more season after hitting his term limit as a board member.
More Coverage
Originally published as Blues plan to replenish list in 2023 AFL draft, set to chase Sun
‘It’s our journey’: Twins pledge to carve own navy blue legacy
They are the sons of Blues royalty. Now, Ben and Lucas Camporeale are ready to carry on their dad’s legacy in navy blue — and can’t wait to get started.
Lucky 13? How Suns can unlock Trade Period — again
Gold Coast holds the keys to another AFL Trade Period as the opening day of official dealing approaches, with its first-round pick set to shape the fates of several clubs — and key players.