Chris Judd could share Carlton captaincy under a Mick Malthouse regime

CHRIS Judd's five-year reign as Carlton captain could come under threat under a new coaching regime next season.

CHRIS Judd's five-year reign as Carlton captain could come under threat under a new coaching regime next season.

Mick Malthouse, the front-runner to replace under-siege coach Brett Ratten, has said the Blues rely too heavily on Judd.

The triple Carlton best-and-fairest winner has been widely lauded for his influence in helping drive the club's rise since he arrived from West Coast in 2007.

But it is believed senior Carlton officials see merit in Judd either handing over the skipper's role or sharing it in a co-captain's arrangement with one of the younger leaders.

Superstar midfielder Marc Murphy, 25, would be the most likely replacement, after stepping up as skipper during Judd's recent four-game suspension. Other candidates are Michael Jamison, Kade Simpson and Andrew Carrazzo.

Malthouse said in his West Australian newspaper column in March that Carlton should share some of the load that was on Judd, 28.

"As great as Chris Judd is, Carlton have loaded him up too much with wanting him to be the best player," Malthouse said.

"Chris is a wonderful player, but Carlton have to get over the thought that he is their panacea.

"Responsibility has to be spread."

Judd, 28, kicked two goals and had 26 possessions in the Blues' loss to Gold Coast on Saturday night, leading a comeback after their abysmal first quarter.

Judd's West Coast premiership teammate David Wirrpanda said removing the leadership role could help Judd in the final years of his career.

"It's not looking at Juddy any differently; what it does is share the responsibility among other leaders," Wirrpanda said.

"It would probably take a little bit of pressure off Juddy as well and just allow him to do what he does best."