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.
4. Final 23
FB: Brodie Kemp, Jacob Weitering, Nic Newman.
HB: Sam Docherty, Mitch McGovern, Adam Saad.
C: Oliver Hollands, Sam Walsh, Blake Acres.
HF: David Cuningham, Harry McKay, Matthew Owies.
FF: Jack Silvagni, Charlie Curnow, Jack Martin.
FO: Tom De Koning, Patrick Cripps, Adam Cerra.
I/C: Marc Pittonet, Matthew Cottrell, George Hewett, Matthew Kennedy.
SUB:Â Jesse Motlop.
Also in the mix: Zac Williams (pending health), Caleb Marchbank, Elijah Hollands (pending suspension), Lewis Young, Lachlan Cowan, Orazio Fantasia, Lachie Fogarty, and Alex Cincotta.
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