Carlton’s dramatic collapse embodied in Jay Clark’s Top 50 AFL players of 2025
A highly-touted premiership fancy just a year ago, Carlton’s biggest stars have fallen off the proverbial cliff. And some damning rankings could be the final straw.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The fall of the Blues is well and truly complete.
A highly-touted premiership fancy just a year ago, Carlton’s biggest stars have fallen off the proverbial cliff.
Now, Patrick Cripps, Charlie Curnow and Jacob Weitering are on the outside looking in at Jay Clark’s mid-year Top 50 players in the AFL.
Cripps, the Blues’ skipper, finished No. 1 in Mark Robinson’s Top 50 to close 2024, but is emblematic of his side’s dramatic drop-off in 2025, languishing outside the top eight with a record of 6-9 after 16 rounds.
Star defender and 2024 All-Australian Jacob Weitering was torched by Port star Mitch Georgiades on Thursday night, after choosing to bravely play despite suffering what appeared to be a serious ankle injury against the Kangaroos the week prior.
Curnow’s output, despite once again being Carlton’s leading goalkicker has come under fire in recent weeks, with Fox Footy’s Garry Lyon questioning his desire.
“Charlie Curnow for me has been one of the great frustrations this year,” Lyon recently said on AFL 360.
WHO WILL BE CROWNED NO. 1? READ THE FULL LIST HERE
“When you get to times like this, you go to the leaders, and Patrick (Cripps) leads — so Patrick leads and then the next rung down is Charlie.
“He plays like a third or fourth half-forward flanker … this is your main man. This is the man who should stand up and say we’re going down here, but I will get to every contest, I will work myself into the ground.
“There’s seven games this year where he hasn’t laid a tackle, he’s got to be better than this. He doesn’t get to enough contests. He doesn’t want to be the man.”
The Bulldogs, Magpies, Lions and Giants lead the way in this mid-year edition of the Top 50, represented by five of their stars each as they look to mount a premiership charge.
Originally published as Carlton’s dramatic collapse embodied in Jay Clark’s Top 50 AFL players of 2025
Battling Blues change course in CEO succession plan
An under-duress Carlton are set to change course in their succession plan at CEO, with Graham Wright to take the reins from Brian Cook earlier than planned.
Stats deep dive: What’s going on with Harry Sheezel’s role?
After being moved all over the field this year, Harry Sheezel just dropped the third lowest SuperCoach score of his career. See full analysis plus CBAs and kick-ins for every player.
A failed Carlton takeover and the innovations that saved the Roos
One of footy’s most innovative clubs could have been swallowed whole by a rival powerhouse in the 1990s. Bob Ansett wouldn’t allow it — one of his many moves that saved the Kangaroos.
Struggling Blues set for latest blow ahead of Pies blockbuster
The Blues are on the ropes and a date with the arch enemy Collingwood looms on Friday night. And Michael Voss could be without one of his most dependable players from this season.
AFL’s ‘Dead Rubber Syndrome’ proves it’s time for wildcard round
The 2025 footy season has lost its sting. So how can the AFL keep more clubs involved deeper into the year? Jon Ralph explores the wildcard weekend — plus why the AFL should listen to Clarko.
WATCH: Insane weekend of marks, goals, buzzer beaters
Two more incredible moments have emerged from Melbourne local sport following a “mark of the century”. A local basketballer nailed a once-in-a-lifetime shot to win a grand final while a footballer kicked a stunner on the siren.