AFL Trades: Carlton boss says fans should be excited by talent in Blues rebuild
CARLTON bosses have urged the Navy Blue army to rejoice in a methodical rebuild rather than bemoan the club’s massive talent drain.
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CARLTON bosses have urged the Navy Blue army to rejoice in a methodical rebuild rather than bemoan the club’s massive talent drain.
The Blues have now lost their top five goal scorers from the 2013-15 seasons in a dramatic overhaul of their new list.
But on Thursday they were able to secure picks Nos.1, 8, 11 and 19 — the building blocks for this list under new coach Brendon Bolton.
Tom Bell left for Brisbane through homesickness and privately Carlton has felt the trio of Troy Menzel, Chris Yarran and Lachie Henderson were never invested at the club.
Bolton might have to perform miracles to keep the Blues from winning their second consecutive wooden spoon — and fifth in 15 seasons.
But Blues chief executive Stephen Trigg told the Herald Sun the ride would still be exciting regardless of ladder position.
“The net result of the trades is outstanding. This was all about maximising the number of early picks we could get as well as recruiting some quality young talent,’’ he said.
“As an entire club we have been saying there are no quick fixes, this is about laying the foundations for a long-term successful list build.
“We have laid the foundations and what Carlton people should be excited about is the talent and character coming into our club.
“Regardless of the scoreboard for the moment, be enthralled and excited by the talent.
“I am not giving away anything next year, we are striving to win gams but it’s about establishing the foundation.
“I honestly believe from all the feedback I get the vast majority of Carlton people get it and they are coming with us.”
Carlton’s exodus of talent continued, with Blues fans getting used to seeing former Navy Blue stars kicking bags of goals at rival clubs.
Jarrod Waite, Eddie Betts, Josh Kennedy and Jeff Garlett have all thrived elsewhere, but Menzel sure to kick plenty of goals at Adelaide.
“Yeah, I get it because I was at a place (Adelaide) that enjoyed a small forward (Betts) who is very talented and successful,’’ Trigg said.
“I understand how our supporters feel about that but rejoice in the talent we are bringing in. We are going to grow.”
He said the Blues were satisfied with the end result of Chris Yarran’s departure — pick 19 from Richmond after holding out for their No.12 selection for a week.
“There is the potential for some Carlton people to feel like there could have been a better result for Chris Yarran.
“But the reality is we were chasing 12 and we finished up with 11 (through another pick swap).
“We have four highly talented youngsters from GWS and I don’t care what anyone else says, Sam Kerridge is an outstanding young talent.
“I would love Carlton people to understand that.”
Most goals for Carlton (2013-2015)
Lachie Henderson 70
Jarrad Waite 56
Jeff Garlett 55
Chris Yarran 50
Troy Menzel 47
Originally published as AFL Trades: Carlton boss says fans should be excited by talent in Blues rebuild
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