By Marc McGowan
Carlton have made two bold bets that this year’s disappointing campaign is merely a bump on the way to their premiership destiny.
It started with the Blues’ decision to trade their future first- and second-round picks on Friday to secure Hawthorn’s No.14 selection, which paved the way for a second blockbuster deal with West Coast on Monday that saw them grab the Eagles’ No.3 choice.
Nick Austin, Carlton Head of List Management speaks at the opening of the AFL Trade Period at Marvel Stadium.Credit: AFL Photos
Carlton – who barely scraped into the top eight in 2024 after a stunning preliminary final surge 12 months ago – have not had a draft pick that early since anointing Sam Walsh as the dux of the 2018 class.
Now armed with pick three, the Blues are chips in for season 2025.
They are not due to enter next year’s draft until the second round (tied to Brisbane), which could be in the late 30s or early 40s. But Carlton won’t care if they are holding the premiership cup aloft for the first time since 1995.
List boss Nick Austin has barely put a foot wrong since crossing from the Western Bulldogs ahead of the 2020 season, and has a great opportunity with this top-three pick to help deliver this club a long-awaited flag.
Finn O’Sullivan in action during the 2km time trial during the AFL national draft combine.Credit: AFL Photos
The Blues may even use their shiny new selection from West Coast on one of Walsh’s relatives, with the star midfielder’s second cousin, Oakleigh Chargers on-baller Finn O’Sullivan, one of this year’s best prospects.
Some talent-spotters believe O’Sullivan is the most talented player in the crop. He is a rare package of skill, on-field vision, composure, competitiveness, endurance and is a strong mark. Unlike many young stars, O’Sullivan is willing to defend as well. One recruiter even told this masthead he was close to a flawless prospect.
Assuming Richmond take Dustin Martin clone Sam Lalor at No.1, and North Melbourne opt for a tall rather than another midfielder, then O’Sullivan will be in play.
If the Blues have their eyes on someone else, or O’Sullivan is off the board already, they will still have a brilliant group of on-ballers to choose from.
Jagga Smith (left) is one of this year’s best draft prospects.Credit: AFL Photos
There is the draft’s best ball-winner, Jagga Smith – dubbed “the Rubber Man” by AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan – the Dandenong Stingrays’ big improver Harvey Langford, South Australia’s Sid Draper, or even Josh Smillie, who is Cripps 2.0.
The Blues could even place a cheeky bid on livewire forward and Essendon’s Next Generation Academy prospect Isaac Kako, even if the Bombers are as good as certain to match.
Whoever Carlton end up with will join a list brimming with top-liners.
Dual Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps headlines a squad that also boasts Coleman medallists Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay, Jacob Weitering, Walsh, Adam Saad, Tom De Koning and Adam Cerra.
Sam Docherty still has plenty to offer, too, the Hollands brothers – Ollie and Elijah – are on the rise, and Carlton will hope ex-Giant Zac Williams can stay fit and that recruit Nick Haynes can turn back the clock.
The time is now for the Blues, and Austin and co recognised that with their wheeling and dealing this fortnight.
Coach Michael Voss re-signed in February until the end of 2026, but will be under pressure to right Carlton’s ship and deliver on the wealth of talent at his disposal, particularly with Graham Wright arriving as chief executive Brian Cook’s successor.
It is worth noting that Wright preferred Craig McRae over Voss as Collingwood’s senior coach replacement for Nathan Buckley only three years ago.
There will be pressure on everyone to perform – but the Blues will not die wondering after an aggressive series of trades designed to put them over the top in an ever-competitive premiership race.
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.