Despite falling agonisingly short on the penultimate weekend of this season, the Blues bound into 2024 with a serious injection of hope and promise.
Following an unspectacular middle portion of their 2023 campaign, Michael Voss' squad rallied tremendously to cement itself in the post-season conversation by the close of the home-and-away calendar.
After Carlton's 2022 off-season addition of Blake Acres paid off in spades during the club's spirited finals effort, the Princes Park dwellers will hope this year's gain of Elijah Hollands – who will be sidelined for the opening portion of next year as a result of an illicit substance-related indiscretion – from the Suns will add another dynamic element to an already-formidable engine room combination.
We assessed Carlton's list and produced our projected best 23 for the Blues heading into next year.
1. Defenders
Defensive general Jacob Weitering, the only Carlton player to appear in all 26 of the club's 2023 outings, continues to lead the Blues from the back half alongside versatile swingman Mitch McGovern and improved interceptor Brodie Kemp.
Adam Saad, who played in all but one contest this year, continued his dangerous slingshotting ways in 2023, working with fellow dependable left-footer Nic Newman.
Many eyes will be on injury-hindered rebounder Zac Williams, whose Blues tenure has been marred by consistent ailments. If Carlton can rely on Williams' availability in 2024, his presence will be a significant addition.
It'll also be an important campaign for the likes of Jordan Boyd and Lachie Cowan to impose themselves further, as they remain on the outskirts at IKON Park.
The Blues drafted pacy rebounder Billy Wilson as a late-first-round bolter at this week's National Draft. Wilson projects as a developmental prospect who could someday succeed Newman, who's preparing to enter his twilight years.
