List analysis: Where every Blue is placed at the end of the 2021 season
Carlton has had a host of top-10 picks in the past decade, but few have made the grade. Should the Blues’ new coach persist of make a ruthless list call?
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It has been a year of turmoil for Carlton.
The club’s mid-year announcement of an extensive external football department review spelled doom for coach David Teague, who was sacked late last week, and the search is now on for his replacement.
List changes are already afoot with the Blues farewelling veterans Marc Murphy (retired), Eddie Betts (retired) and Levi Casboult (delisted).
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But there are a host of out-of-contract Blues who are sweating on their future before the new coach comes in.
The Blues had two All-Australians and the Coleman medallist in 2021, which only added to the frustration of another year out of the finals.
Here is where every listed Blue is placed at the end of the 2021 season.
1. JACK SILVAGNI
Age: 23
Games: 78
Status: Out of contract 2021
After a season ruined by injury amid rib, knee and leg issues, Silvagni had a rough start to 2021 when he was subbed out of games with shoulder injuries and a concussion. But the Son of SOS has gone on to play some of his best football this year, including an impressive performance in an emotion-charged match against Collingwood, following the passing of his grandfather Serge. Is certain to be offered a contract extension at the club his family name is synonymous.
2. PADDY DOW
Age: 21
Games: 59
Status: Contracted until 2022
After managing just three senior games in 2020, Dow has found a more regular place in the Carlton line-up this season. The former No. 3 draft pick has played 17 games this season and shown signs of the midfielder the Blues hoped he could evolve into. Still has a year to run on his contract.
3. MARC MURPHY
Age: 34
Games: 300
Status: Retired
The veteran midfielder limped to the finish line to reach the 300-game milestone in Round 22, which was to be his final game in the navy blue after a career spanning 16 seasons at Carlton. Used as a medical sub several times in the second half of the season, Murphy tallied 15 senior games in 2021. Murphy leaves the game as the sixth Carlton player to reach 300 games.
4. LOCHIE O’BRIEN
Age: 21
Games: 41
Status: Out of contract 2021
After playing just one senior game last season, O’Brien’s future is clouded after he again struggled for senior opportunities in 2021. The young midfielder has had limited opportunities to push his case for a new deal this year, playing just the five senior games.
5. SAM PETREVSKI-SETON
Age: 23
Games: 94
Status: Out of contract end of 2021
After being pushed into the backline last year, Petrevski-Seton has struggled to make an impact this season and his future remains unclear. The former first-round draft selection has been dropped and found himself in the VFL on more than one occasion this year and has managed just 14 senior games.
6. ZAC WILLIAMS
Age: 26
Games: 127
Status: Contracted until 2026
One of the Blues’ big off-season targets, Williams arrived at Carlton with a big contract to live up to. But the former Giant suffered an interrupted start to life at his new club due to suspension and achilles and groin niggles. His fitness levels were questioned mid-season and he was slammed as being lazy and unfit by Brisbane Lions great Jonathan Brown. Williams’ season came to an early end after Round 19 when he suffered a hamstring injury.
7. MATTHEW KENNEDY
Age: 24
Games: 61
Status: Out of contract 2021
After playing just the seven senior games in 2020, Kennedy was moved onto the Blues rookie list for this season. Kennedy went on to play 13 senior games but a strong run of form from Round 14 onwards should be enough to secure a contract extension.
8. LACHIE FOGARTY
Age: 22
Games: 40
Status: Out of contract 2021
Fogarty made the move to the Blues after three years at Geelong in search of more regular opportunities. After just six senior appearances for the Cats in 2020, it has paid off, with Fogarty playing 17 games for the Blues this season.
9. PATRICK CRIPPS
Age: 26
Games: 138
Status: Locked in until 2027
The Carlton co-captain, in June, emphatically put speculation surrounding his future as a restricted free agent to bed when he signed a six-year deal to remain a Blue. The midfield star will be 32 when the deal expires at the end of 2027, declaring his intention to deliver a 17th premiership for Carlton. Cripps’ form was under the spotlight early in the season before it was revealed he had been playing with a back injury. But he pushed through to play 20 games at an average of 23.4 disposals a match.
10. HARRY MCKAY
Age: 23
Games: 67
Status: Contracted until the end of 2023
In a season in which he established himself as the league’s most dominant forward, McKay also recommitted to the Blues for another two years. McKay’s contract extension ties him to the Blues until at least the end of the 2023 season. Led the Coleman Medal race most of the year to finish with 58 goals after a shoulder injury ended his season with two rounds to go. After fellow forward Charlie Curnow’s return from injury late in the season, Blues fans will be excited to see how the pair can operate together in 2022.
11. MITCH MCGOVERN
Age: 26
Games: 81
Status: Contracted until 2023
Since his arrival at the Blues on a five-year deal, McGovern has been under pressure to deliver a return on investment for the club. After being restricted to 12 senior games in 2020 due to a mid-season hamstring injury, McGovern has been sighted even less this year – playing just the five senior games as he has again battled hamstring problems. With a fit Charlie Curnow, McGovern will find it hard to break into a stacked Blues’ forward line.
12. TOM DE KONING
Age: 22
Games: 22
Status: Contracted until the end of 2023
Considered the ruck future at the Blues, De Koning made a late start to the season after suffering a stress reaction to his back. De Koning did not play his first game until Round 10 but not long after he returned had to carry the load in the ruck after fellow ruckman Marc Pittonet underwent ankle surgery. Suffered another setback late in the season when he suffered a pectoral injury. Will be a long-term fixture in the Blues’ plans.
13. LIAM STOCKER
Age: 21
Games: 22
Status: Contracted until 2022
After his 2020 season was cut short when he needed to leave the club’s Queensland hub early for personal reasons, the third-year Blue returned to play 17 senior games for the Blues this year. He broke in to the senior side in Round 6. Still has a year to run on his contract.
14. LIAM JONES
Age: 30
Games: 161
Status: Contracted until the end of 2022
The other half of the Blues’ ever-reliable key defensive duo with Jacob Weitering. Jones played almost every game for the Blues in 2021 and ranked among the elite in the league for intercept marks and rates above average for spoils. Missed the last two games of the season with an injured patella. Has another year to run on his contract.
15. SAM DOCHERTY
Age: 27
Games: 122
Status: Contracted until 2023
After an inspiring return to football in 2020 when he played a full season, following two years ruined by torn ACLs, Docherty’s injury-free run was cut short this year. He played every game until Round 15, when he was struck down by an ankle syndesmosis surgery, which required season-ending surgery. He revealed in early August he would need to undergo chemotherapy after a recurrence of his testicular cancer. Docherty signed a two-year contract extension at the end of last season to tie him to the club until the end of 2023.
16. JACK CARROLL
Age: 18
Games: –
Status: Contracted until 2022
The Blues’ second-round selection at the 2020 national draft, Carroll is yet to make his senior debut.
17. BRODIE KEMP
Age: 20
Games: 2
Status: Out of contract end of 2021
After having his first season in the AFL wiped out as he recovered from an ACL injury, Brodie Kemp made his long-awaited senior debut against Port Adelaide in Round 22. The talented young midfielder made his return to competitive football after almost two years out for the Blues’ VFL team in May.
18. SAM WALSH
Age: 21
Games: 61
Status: Contracted until 2022
After locking away skipper Patrick Cripps and star forward Harry McKay, the Blues’ focus will now turn to securing a contract extension for superstar Sam Walsh before he comes out of contract at the end of next season. A shining light for the Blues this year, the All-Australian midfielder has averaged almost 30 disposals a game, ranking him among the elite in the competition, while he was also above average for total clearances and tackles.
19. EDDIE BETTS
Age: 34
Games: 350
Status: Retired
The champion small forward played his 350th and final game in the last round after a decorated career with Carlton and Adelaide. One of the game’s most electric goalkickers, Betts returned to Carlton two years ago after a six-year stint at Adelaide. Betts played 19 games and kicked 27 goals in his final year with the Blues.
20. LACHIE PLOWMAN
Age: 26
Games: 129
Status: Contracted until 2023
Made headlines in May when he copped a two-match suspension for his big bump on Hawk Jaeger O’Meara but has been a solid contributor in defence. Plowman ranked below average for disposals, kicks, handballs, tackles and metres gained this season. Signed a three-year contract extension at the end of last season to tie him to the club until the end of 2023.
21. JACK MARTIN
Age: 26
Games: 123
Status: Contracted until 2024
After 15 games in his debut season for the Blues last year, the high-profile recruit was dealt an injury blow early this year when he suffered a PCL injury in Round 2 and didn’t return until Round 11. Took time to find his groove after his return but remains an important piece of the Blues’ forward structure.
22. CALEB MARCHBANK
Age: 24
Games: 48
Status: Contracted until the end of 2022
The defender’s hopes of breaking back into the Blues’ side after a shocking run with injuries was dealt another blow earlier this year. Marchbank, who last played in Round 16, 2019, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in a VFL practice match in April, ruling him out for the rest of the year.
23. JACOB WEITERING
Age: 23
Games: 115
Status: Contracted until 2025
Coming off a best and fairest year in 2020, Weitering has enjoyed another strong season and was included in the All-Australian squad. The key pillar of the Blues’ defence, Weitering ranks among the elite for disposals and spoils and above average for intercept marks. Has committed to the club long-term, signing a four-year contract extension midway through last season to tie him to the Blues until the end of 2025.
24. NIC NEWMAN
Age: 28
Games: 67
Status: Out of contract end of 2021
After a knee injury restricted him to just two games last season, Newman returned to make 14 appearances for the Blues this year. He broke back into to the senior side in Round 9 after recovering from his patella tendon injury and held his spot. The halfback has ranked above average for disposals, marks and metres gained and elite for tackles.
25. ZAC FISHER
Age: 23
Games: 73
Status: Contracted until 2023
It was an injury interrupted year for the forward with the flowing mullet. Fisher was sidelined for a stretch between rounds 2 and 12 after surgery to remove a small bone growth in his ankle. Despite an elite ranking for disposals and handballs, he kicked just 4.8 for the season. Fisher is contracted until the end of 2023.
26. LUKE PARKS
Age: 20
Games: 6
Status: Out of contract end of 2021
In his first season with the Blues after being selected in the rookie draft, Parks broke through to play six senior games, doing his hopes of a contract extension no harm.
27. MARC PITTONET
Age: 25
Games: 33
Status: Out of contract 2021
The Blues’ first-choice ruckman following the retirement of long-time lead Matthew Kreuzer, Pittonet’s season was cut short in Round 14 when the 202cm big man was forced to undergo ankle surgery.
28. DAVID CUNNINGHAM
Age: 24
Games: 41
Status: Contracted until the end of 2022
Cunningham’s season was cut short after just four games when the midfielder suffered a season-ending knee injury in Round 9 against Melbourne. Still has a year to run on his contract.
29. COREY DURDIN
Age: 19
Games: 2
Status: Out of contract end of 2022
A second-round selection for the Blues in the 2020 national draft, Durdin made his senior debut in Round 22 against Port Adelaide.
30. CHARLIE CURNOW
Age: 24
Games: 62
Status: Contracted until the end of 2023
The exciting key forward finally made his long-awaited return from injury against St Kilda in Round 20 after the best part of two years out of the game. Curnow, who had not played a senior game since Round 15 in 2019, managed just one goal in his return match, but the Blues expected it would take the former first-round draft pick time to regain confidence in his body and form. With the prospect of an uninterrupted pre-season ahead, Blues fans will be excited at the prospect of seeing what the forward team of a fit Curnow and McKay can deliver next season.
31. TOM WILLIAMSON
Age: 22
Games: 43
Status: Contracted until 2022
After a season building back from injury last year, the defender managed 11 senior games in 2021. He was dropped from the team in Round 6 and didn’t return until Round 16 against Fremantle, holding his spot for the rest of the year. Still has a year to run on his contract.
32. JACK NEWNES
Age: 28
Games: 191
Status: Out of contract 2021
In his second season at Carlton, the midfielder best-remembered for his matchwinning heroics from the boundary after the siren against Fremantle last year played 19 games in 2021. Among a host of Blues who will be hoping to be a part of the new coach’s plans.
33. SAM RAMSAY
Age: 20
Games: –
Status: Out of contract end of 2021
Taken as a third-round selection in the 2019 national draft, Ramsay is still yet to make his senior debut for the Blues.
34. SAM PHILP
Age: 20
Games: 2
Status: Contracted until 2023
After making his AFL debut in Round 4 last year, Philp was granted a contract extension to tie him to the club until the end of 2023. But the 2019 first-round draft selection was unable to add to his two senior games from 2020, after he was ruled out for the rest of the season in May due to groin problems.
35. ED CURNOW
Age: 31
Games: 204
Status: Out of contract 2021
In his 11th season for the Blues, Curnow remains one of the club’s most reliable and consistent performers. Curnow played every game for the Blues in 2021, in which he brought up the 200-game milestone. Has averaged more than 22 disposals and almost four tackles a game and should be granted another contract extension.
36. JOSH HONEY
Age: 19
Games: 6
Status: Out of contract end of 2021
The son of a former Olympic pole vaulter and Australian netballer, Honey earned a spot on the Blues’ rookie list again this season after making his AFL debut last year. He played just the one senior game in 2020 and has added five more to that tally this season.
37. JORDAN BOYD
Age: 22
Games: –
Status: Out of contract end of 2021
Drafted by the Blues in the mid-season rookie draft on a six-month contract, Boyd has not yet made his senior debut.
39. OSCAR MCDONALD
Age: 25
Games: 84
Status: Out of contract 2021
A late addition to the Carlton list after signing on as a rookie for the 2021 season at the end of the supplemental selection period. McDonald, who played 81 games across six seasons for Melbourne, played the first three games of the season before being struck down by a bone stress injury in his back.
40. MICHAEL GIBBONS
Age: 26
Games: 47
Status: Out of contract end of 2021
Elevated to the senior list in 2021, Gibbons was restricted to just 11 games this season due to hamstring problems. He didn’t play after Round 11 with surgery bringing an early end to his campaign.
41. LEVI CASBOULT
Age: 31
Games: 154
Status: Delisted
The Blues’ veteran departs the club after he was not offered a contract for 2022. He featured in just 13 games in his last year at Carlton – his 12th at the Blues – and kicked eight goals after battling a knee injury. Is surveying his options elsewhere.
42. ADAM SAAD
Age: 27
Games: 131
Status: Contracted until 2025
One of the Blues’ high profile acquisitions during the off-season, Saad has played every game in his first season at the club, ranking above average for disposals and metres gained but has come under fire from commentators at times for his impact on games. The former Bomber was a long-term investment, joining the Blues on a five-year deal.
43. WILL SETTERFIELD
Age: 23
Games: 44
Status: Out of contract 2021
In his third season at Carlton, Setterfield played just eight senior games for the year and finished the season out of the team as he battled a groin injury late.
44. MATTHEW OWIES
Age: 24
Games: 14
Status: Out of contract end of 2021
After making his AFL debut with the Blues last season, the former basketballer earned a spot on the rookie list for 2021 and has made the most of his opportunities. The small forward has impressed in his 13 senior appearances, kicking 15 goals to bolster his prospect of a promotion to the senior list.
45. ALEX MIRKOV
Age: 21
Games: –
Status: Out of contract 2022
Picked up by the Blues in the mid-season rookie draft from their reserves team, the 210cm ruckman has not yet played an AFL game.
46. MATTHEW COTTRELL
Age: 21
Games: 19
Status: Out of contract end of 2021
After making his first AFL appearance for the Blues in Round 11 last season, the rookie-listed Cottrell built on his debut season with 14 senior games in 2021.
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