Bottom placed Carlton has close to 20 players out of contract at the end of the 2019 season

Carlton has made 52 list changes in four years. But that number is set to jump even higher at the end of the season with close to 20 players out of contract. Who will stay and who will go?

Dale Thomas is out of contract at the end of the season. Picture: AAP Images

Nearly 20 players on Carlton’s list have contracts that expire in October leaving many, including Dale Thomas, fighting to extend their careers.

The Blues had hoped to bed down their list after 52 changes in the past four seasons, but their one-win start to the season has again raised the possibility of a raft of departures.

The Blues have just one player aged under 25 who Champion Data lists as elite — captain Patrick Cripps.

Carlton has been in most of its games this season and believes it is methodically building depth across all areas despite the current results.

But this week trade acquisition Mitch McGovern was criticised for his lack of influence as others acquired from rivals such as Will Setterfield, Darcy Lang and Matthew Kennedy struggle for impact.

Out-of-contract players Ed Curnow, Matthew Kreuzer, David Cuningham and Jack Silvagni seem certain to secure new deals to play on next year.

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Tom Bugg has already retired after the Blues picked him up as a rookie, only for him to quickly move into a social media role and finish his AFL career.

Rookie Michael Gibbons has made a decent fist of his new half-forward position, while Liam Jones was in exceptional form before being knocked out against North Melbourne in Round 7.

But Thomas will have to win back the trust of the players after missing this week after drinking.

Brendon Bolton talks to Dale Thomas on the Carlton bench. Picture: Getty Images

The retention of coach Brendon Bolton would also help his case given a new coach might decide to move on players who are not in their plans for the next era of success.

Alex Fasolo is believed to have a one-year deal with a games-based clause for a second season but he has played two AFL games and five VFL games for five goals.

Free agent Levi Casboult has been remodelled as a full back after several years of trade speculation.

Free agent Kreuzer continues to put together solid form, with ruck understudies Andrew Phillips and Matthew Lobbe also out of contract.

The Blues absorbed the final two years of Lobbe’s Port Adelaide contract in what was a salary dump, with Lobbe’s form solid in eight games when he has played AFL for Carlton.

The Blues will again have cap space but have handed over their first and second-round picks in trades, with their first pick currently Adelaide’s first-rounder (12).

Kade Simpson’s form has been exceptional despite a three-week hamstring injury, with his form clearly good enough to go again in 2020 despite turning 35 early this month.