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.
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.
Carlton possesses excellent stability through its engine room entering the 2024 campaign.
Inspirational skipper Patrick Cripps, serial ball-winner Sam Walsh, the improved Adam Cerra, and unheralded complements George Hewett and Matthew Kennedy remain the headline of Carlton's midfield operation.
Oliver Hollands put forth a stellar showing in his rookie season, showcasing vital signs he'll be a long-term player on a wing under Voss and Co.
Upon the cessation of his suspension, Hollands' brother, Elijah, will attempt to break into Carlton's starting side.
Meanwhile, the Blues farewelled Paddy Dow via trade to St Kilda. While his absence won't be a substantial loss for Voss, Dow displayed dramatic improvement as an engine-roomer towards the end of this year, shaping as an excellent acquisition for the Saints.
After signing extensions during the year, Ruckmen Tom De Koning and Marc Pittonet are locked in for the medium term.
De Koning's long-term Blues future is likely of utmost importance to the bosses at Carlton, as he's contracted for just two more seasons as opposed to Pittonet's 2027 deal expiry.
Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay will again lead Carlton's forward line; the Blues' triple Coleman Medal-winning two-headed monster, while Jack Silvagni and Jack Martin remain as ample medium-sized complements.
To aid their prominent key-forward duo, the Blues snapped up Orazio Fantasia as a delisted free agent this off-season; a move that could produce low-risk-high-reward dividends for the Princes Park outfit.
South Australian draft slider Ashton Moir was also acquired by Carlton just this week, demonstrating a targeted off-season approach to bolstering its small-forward brigade.
Does Jesse Motlop have any reason for concern? Whilst having flashed signs of brilliance in front of goals, the second-year Blue has succumbed to inconsistency in portions.
Next year also presents an opportunistic campaign for 18-year-old Jaxon Binns (zero AFL games), who's yet to burst onto the senior scene. 21-year-olds Sam Philp (zero AFL games in 2023) and Josh Honey (six AFL games in 2023) were delisted, along with Lochie O'Brien.
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: 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.