The pressure has been mounted onto the shoulders of Carlton players ahead of the 2021 season, with a busy off-season of recruiting moving them into top-eight contention, with anything short of the mark deemed a failure.

Big name signings of Zac Williams and Adam Saad are sure to add plenty of pace and push for the Blues this year, with the former expected to take on a major role in David Teague's engine room.

While the skills and poise of Williams are undoubtedly in the top echelon of the league, questions surrounding his fitness as a midfielder hang above his head.

Carlton midfield coach John Barker believes Williams will add a much needed level of pace through the middle of the ground as the Blues look to shape up for 2021.

"He is an electric footballer," Barker told The Age's Peter Ryan.

"I don't think his tank is going to be an issue at all. We're happy with his burst ability and his repeat speed and it is great to have a midfield with a diverse mix of running abilities."

Paired with the contrasting build of captain Patrick Cripps, Williams might just be the key to unlock this exciting squad's potential, while Saad and Geelong recruit Lachie Fogarty will be sure to have significant roles this season.

ZAC WILLIAMS
Midfielder
GWS
2020 SEASON AVG
16.9
Disposals
2.3
Tackles
1.1
Clearances

Speaking on the club's fearless leader in Cripps, Barker told The Age that the star onballer is the perfect candidate to steer the club moving forward.

"The great thing about 'Crippa' is that team is everything to him so he will play his role when he has to defensively and he doesn't always have to be the bull," Barker said.

"He is good with that because he knows there is a place we are trying to get to and that is going to help us get there."

Williams and Cripps will be at the face of this new-look midfield at Ikon Park, with Sam Walsh eyeing more minutes in the middle while the incumbents of Marc Murphy, Ed Curnow and Jack Martin look to build on their careers.