Stephen Silvagni explains why the Blues drafted former Gold Coast player Jarrod Garlett

AFTER 42 list changes in three years, Carlton is ready to enter the next stage of its rebuild. List boss Stephen Silvagni explains to JAY CLARK what’s next.

Paddy Dow with Carlton coach Brendon Bolton. Picture: AAP Images

CARLTON’S three-year draft plan has come to fruition with the Blues set to cease their dramatic list changes and enter a new period of stabilisation next year.

The Blues have taken considerable steps to revamp a once flagging and ageing list, making 42 changes since Stephen Silvagni took over three years ago.

If list managers usually select picks and shovels to make the necessary tweaks in the post season, Silvagni went out and bought a bulldozer to accelerate Carlton’s list rebuild.

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And there was an adventurous streak to Friday night’s draft haul with the Blues making the surprise move to land former Gold Coast Sun Jarrod Garlett.

Silvagni said Garlett’s personal and family life was back on track with his brother recovering from a burst blood vessel in his brain which contributed to his sudden departure from the Suns last year.

Carlton took Lochie O’Brien and Paddy Dow at Friday’s draft. Picture: Getty Images

Delighted to snare midfield gems Paddy Dow and “endurance beast” Lochie O’Brien with picks No. 3 and 10, Silvagni said the bulk of the heavy lifting from a draft perspective was now done.

“We have still got to add, buy from a list cull perspective, we have got some young talent through the door now,” Silvagni said.

“We have had a lot of list changes over the past three years, 42 changes in three years and we need some stability in our list now, so I wouldn’t imagine we would be making a lot of changes at the end of next season.

“They’re young boys who have got to build some chemistry now and synergy amongst themselves.

“We said we would go to three drafts, we have gone to three drafts now and we need to build some stability and keep these boys and get them playing together.”

Carlton will unveil a new-look midfield unit next season with former Cat Darcy Lang and Greater Western Sydney hard nut Matthew Kennedy in line to help cover the departure of superstar Bryce Gibbs and injured defender Sam Docherty.

But it was the bold move to add Garlett with pick No. 78 after a year in the WAFL which stunned onlookers on draft night.

Silvagni said he had been carefully tracking the former pick No. 15 for the majority of the year and was excited by his electric pace and skills.

The 181cm forward — midfielder could step straight into the Blues’ Round 1 team against Richmond.

“We have been monitoring Jarrod all year, and we had a discussion with him half way through the year,” Silvagni said.

“Gold Coast took him with an early pick three years ago but for personal reasons and family reasons he went back (to Perth) at the end of last season.

“Those reasons have turned out to be really positive for him and he wants to get back to play AFL footy.

Jarrod Garlett in action for the Suns. Picture: Scott Fletcher

“He’s got a second chance to play AFL footy and I think he will be determined.

“He can really run, he has got great speed and he can kick left and right foot and he is the sort of player we need.”

Top pick Dow had shoulder surgery in September but told the Herald Sun he would be ready to participate in the majority of main training in the new year.

Silvagni said four of the five players the Blues took on Friday night, including Garlett, 21, and pick No. 70 Angus Schumacher could “go through the middle”.

“We are really happy with that mix, because Paddy has a burst out of stoppages and is really clean inside and can use his hands as well,” Silvagni said.

“Lochie is the endurance beast, with the outside run and a left footer.”