Carlton season 2025 preview: Josh Barnes breaks down where the Blues sit
After a disappointing end to 2024, can Carlton sort their fitness issues to contend in 2025? JOSH BARNES names their best side, breakout star, player under pressure and much more.
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There was cause for optimism for Michael Voss’s side in 2024 but an eighth place finish was below expectations after a preliminary final appearance in 2023. Do the Blues have the list to contend this season and does their newest young gun draftee walk into the starting line up? Josh Barnes analyses the burning issues at Carlton for 2025.
SURPRISE PACKET OF 2024
Elijah Hollands arrived at Carlton with a question mark after a drugs charge but once he cleared suspension, he was locked in as a high half-forward who can run through the midfield. He slotted 17 goals and added a bit of spark for a Blues side who rely on their steady stars.
INS AND OUTS
IN: Ben Camporeale (No.43 draft pick, father-son), Lucas Camporeale (No.54 draft pick, father-son), Harry Charleson (Rookie Draft), Matt Duffy (Category B rookie), Nick Haynes (free agent, Greater Western Sydney), Harry O’Farrell (No.40 draft pick), Jagga Smith (No.3 draft pick)
OUT: Domanic Akuei (delisted), Jack Caroll (delisted), Matt Carroll (delisted), David Cuningham (delisted), Sam Durdin (delisted), Matt Kennedy (trade, Western Bulldogs), Caleb Marchbank (delisted), Jack Martin (delisted), Alex Mirkov (delisted), Matt Owies (trade, West Coast)
WHO’S PLAYING FOR A CONTRACT?
One of the biggest contract stories of 2025 promises to be Blues ruck Tom De Koning. The athletic big man signed a two-year deal in 2023 that surprised even some at Carlton, after he was courted heavily elsewhere. His worth and appeal has only grown since then, expect St Kilda to lead a big push to wrench him out of Ikon Park. The offers could head towards $10m over seven years. Next season looms also as a big year for Jack Silvagni, coming off a major knee injury and heading into the final year of his deal. Can he finally lock down a clear role?
LAST YEAR IN CONTRACT
Adam Cerra, Adam Saad, Alex Cincotta, Billy Wilson, Brodie Kemp, Cooper Lord, George Hewett, Harry Charleson, Harry Lemmey, Jack Silvagni, Jesse Motlop, Mitch McGovern, Nic Newman, Nick Haynes, Orazio Fantasia, Rob Monahan, Sam Docherty, Tom De Koning
POSITION THAT NEEDS TO BE FILLED AND WHO CAN FILL IT?
The Blues clearly didn’t work hard to keep Matt Owies despite snagging 33 goals last year. That puts the pressure on Jesse Motlop, Corey Durdin, Matt Cottrell and Zac Williams to kick goals at the feet of Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay. The Blues rate Motlop and he has only just turned 21, so there is still some development left. He bagged 24 goals in 2023, time to lift that into the 30s.
BURNING QUESTION
Can the Blues stay on the park and finally find consistency? Arguably no team has as many A-grade players as Carlton and the support is there for this team to be a premiership contender. In 2024, the Blues couldn’t get there as injuries wore them down. New fitness staff could be the biggest recruits at the club.
Originally published as Carlton season 2025 preview: Josh Barnes breaks down where the Blues sit
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