Every Carlton player rated at the halfway mark of a disappointing 2025 season so far

Carlton’s season is on the brink – and holes on the list are popping up everywhere. So, who can hold their head high? And whose future is at risk? We run the rule over every player.

Only a repeat of Carlton’s magical run through the back half of 2023 can take the Blues to the heights their supporters expected them to reach this season.

With their season on the brink heading into the round 12 bye, it is time to assess which Blues have met expectations and who have failed to deliver to this point.

A letter grading system puts 21 Carlton players’ performances at above expectations over the 4-7 start, but the crucial detail is the calibre of the players sitting well below: of 11 who received a D-grading, eight would have started this season in the Blues’ best 23.

And seven of those underachievers are small forwards and outside runners – the roles where the Blues have clearly lagged behind the competition.

Here’s a player-by-player look at the first half of Carlton’s season.

Carlton defender Jack Silvagni. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

1. Jack Silvagni

Has stepped into the important second key defender role with aplomb in his ACL comeback year. Was missed against GWS and needs to overcome a groin issue over the bye. Grade: A

2. Lachlan Cowan

Two significant hamstring injuries have not helped, but before those setbacks Cowan had been unable to take a step forward in a crucial role in Nic Newman’s absence. Grade: D

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3. Jesse Motlop

Looked lively in the first few rounds without significant scoreboard impact, but his confidence appears to have waned since. The fourth-year forward is out of contract at the season’s end and the pressure is starting to rise. Grade: D

4. Ollie Hollands

Continues to cover more territory than any other Blue but his kicking, particularly inside 50, is still letting him down. Has worked hard on the defensive side of his game and is rated elite among defenders for tackles (3.6) this season. Grade: B

Adam Cerra has played every game this year. Picture: Michael Klein

5. Adam Cerra

Playing 11 consecutive games is an impressive achievement after a torrid run of hamstring injuries. Has been the Blues’ best player over the last fortnight, but another who needs to develop a better connection with the forwards. Grade: B+

6. Zac Williams

Cashed in with four goals in the big win over North Melbourne, two weeks after he had showed a bit at halfback in the loss to Collingwood. Contracted for another year and must find continuity after his latest calf injury. Grade: D

7. Jagga Smith

It’s difficult to think of a player whose absence has been felt more keenly despite having never played a senior game. Smith could have been a crucial point of difference in the Blues’ midfield this season, and will hope for a Will Ashcroft-style recovery arc. Grade: N/A

8. Lachie Fogarty

Had a slow start to the season before suffering a hamstring injury just after he started to get going. Ranked 2nd in the AFL for tackles inside 50 and has four goals from his last three games – at 26, that’s the level of output he must sustain in this team. Grade: D+

9. Patrick Cripps

The dual Brownlow medallist’s contested possession and clearance numbers are strong, but he has to get near the level he reached last season to lead his team back up the ladder. Was outside the top 75 rated players in the competition leading into round 11. Grade: B

10. Harry McKay

McKay now has five consecutive games under his belt and must impact the scoreboard more consistently from here. The Blues need to be able to rely on him for multiple goals per game. Grade: C

11. Mitch McGovern

Has provided important rebound and cleaned up his disposal over the last month, but has been caught out defensively this season – he has lost six of the 10 contested defence one-on-ones he has been in. Grade: D

12. Tom De Koning

On the way to a career best season despite the pressure of weighing up a huge contract offer from St Kilda. Can he lift his scoreboard output? Grade: A

13. Blake Acres

Played arguably his three worst games as a Blue to begin the season before steadying the ship, but his injured shoulder continues to trouble him and kicking has been scratchy. Grade: D

14. Orazio Fantasia

The Blues had planned for the injury-prone speedster to play an important senior role this season, but a calf strain on the eve of the season dented those hopes. Fighting for his career in the second half of the year. Grade: N/A

15. Sam Docherty

Docherty fought hard on his return from a spell in the VFL against GWS, but would be disappointed by his year so far. The former co-captain was not clean enough with ball in hand in the Blues’ defeats early in the season. Grade: D

16. Ben Camporeale

The No. 43 father-son pick has done well to string together eight consecutive VFL games after pre-season ankle surgery. Had a breakout performance three weeks ago and will push for a senior debut later this year. Grade: B

17. Brodie Kemp

The ruptured achilles was a shattering blow, but when Kemp returns next season he will be locked in as the Blues’ third tall target up forward. Grade: B

Sam Walsh fires out a handpass against the Swans. Picture: Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos

18. Sam Walsh

Walsh has been one of the Blues’ biggest barometer players this season. Needs to exert greater influence when the chips are down, but playing every game so far is an important win for him and the Blues’ fitness staff. Grade: C

19. Corey Durdin

Equal with Cripps as the Blues’ second-highest goalkicker with 10 from seven games. Six of those came in the big wins over the Eagles and Roos, though. Grade: C

20. Elijah Hollands

Outstanding against Geelong in his second game back after a difficult pre-season. Has something to offer the Blues as a hard-running midfielder-forward when he is ready to return. Grade: C

21. Lucas Camporeale

Had a fantastic summer to break through for a round 1 senior debut and found plenty of the ball. Clearly needs to work on his foot skills though to be a reliable outside player. Grade: B+

22. Harry O’Farrell

Looks a good find at pick 40 in last year’s draft and held up fairly well on debut against the Giants – a tough assignment for any first-gamer, just ask Sandy Brock. Grade: B+

23. Jacob Weitering

Weitering had a rare off-day against the Giants but would be in calculations for a second consecutive All-Australian blazer. Big in every win and was a rock in defence over the tough first four defeats. Grade: B+

24. Nic Newman

Still working hard to return from a ruptured patella tendon before the end of the season, which is lifting spirits on the track. Grade: N/A

25. Jaxon Binns

Binns made a terrific return to senior football against St Kilda, but two weeks later found himself back in the sub role behind Docherty in the pecking order. Grade: C+

26. Nick Haynes

Looked all at sea in his first two games as a Blue but has put that in the rearview mirror with his next nine, vindicating the decision to take him from GWS. Grade: B

27. Marc Pittonet

Calf and finger injuries kept him from the senior selection frame before a difficult first game back against Brodie Grundy, who came out on top. Needs a run of VFL games under his belt to mount a fresh selection case. Grade: C

28. Harry Charleson

Rookie draft selection who has played consistently at VFL level over the last month and tries to use the ball by foot, which the Blues need. May soon win a debut. Grade: B

29. George Hewett

Hewett’s 12th season has been his best so far, reaching All-Australian form as the main beneficiary of the decision to trade Matt Kennedy. Grade: A

30. Charlie Curnow

Was rushed back into the side too early in the season, but now the dual Coleman medallist does not look far from his best. 18 goals in his last six games. Grade: B

31. Harry Lemmey

A seven-goal haul against Sydney’s VFL side turned heads, but is Lemmey any closer to a senior debut three years in? Running out of time to impress Carlton’s coaches as his contract expires at the season’s end. Grade: C

32. Matt Carroll

Fought hard to win back his spot on Carlton’s list and was then rewarded with three wins in his first three games, but hasn’t done quite enough to cement a spot in the back six. Grade: B+

33. Lewis Young

It’s a tough gig being thrown from end to end, and Young was also unlucky to be dropped for Harry McKay in round 7. His best footy this season has been as a forward and second ruck. Grade: C+

34. Rob Monahan

In only five of 25 VFL games has the 189cm Irishman reached double-digit disposals. Can the Blues find the right role for him to break through, or is his time running out? Grade: C

35. Billy Wilson

Would be on track to contend for Carlton’s VFL best and fairest with his performances across halfback. The speedy right-footer must be close to a senior debut. Grade: B+

Cooper Lord has been one of Carlton’s big wins this year. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos

36. Cooper Lord

The 2024 mid-season recruit has been excellent since he stood up with that late set shot goal against St Kilda. Had been sub in five of 10 appearances, but won’t find himself back in the vest any time soon. Grade: A

37. Jordan Boyd

Boyd has struggled to break through for senior games this season and was dealt a nasty concussion setback just as he won a place back against the Swans. The Blues badly need his kicking at halfback or on a wing. Grade: D

38. Will White

A classy 12-disposal, three-goal performance against North Melbourne showed the SSP recruit can belong at AFL level. Was busy against GWS after a quiet month. Grade: B+

39. Alex Cincotta

Two games into his return from hip surgery at VFL level, the 28-year-old needs a run of games to win a new contract, and should be considered soon given his leg speed. Grade: C

40. Hudson O’Keeffe

The ruckman is pushing closer to AFL-readiness and enjoyed some time up forward with Pittonet back in the VFL side last weekend, booting 3.1 against Williamstown. Grade: B+

41. Matt Duffy

Duffy has three consecutive VFL games under his belt after an ACL injury ruined his first year as a Blue. He’s already shown some promising signs at halfback. Grade: B

42. Adam Saad

Has played every game after injuries hampered him towards the back end of last season, but the Blues would love him to rediscover the offensive spark of his 2022-23 seasons. Saad has shown glimpses of that run and dash without being able to get off the chain. Grade: C

43. Ashton Moir

Moir would’ve hoped for more senior opportunities after his finish to last season, but he’s found it tough in a struggling VFL side and has only broken through for a substitute appearance in the loss to Collingwood. Has one more year on his current contract. Grade: C

44. Francis Evans

Got the nod as an SSP recruit ahead of White but has slipped behind him in the forward pecking order. Needs to grasp the next chance he gets. Grade: D

46. Matt Cottrell

The Blues would love him back from an ankle injury straight after the bye as he rediscovered his 2023 form on the wing. Cottrell has been one of their best kicks inside 50 this season. Grade: B

Originally published as Every Carlton player rated at the halfway mark of a disappointing 2025 season so far