New Carlton assistant coach Cam Roberts said he wanted a new challenge and a fresh start after seven years with Essendon.
Roberts crossed between the arch rivals, officially signing with the Blues last week as the club's new forwards coach.
He has an extensive background in coaching, spending a large chunk of time at the Bombers, as well as local football and the Coates Talent League.
"I was at the Bombers for seven years, and I think that's a fair stint in terms of coaching at one place," Roberts said to Carlton Media.
"I was really looking for a change and a new challenge, so I decided to leave there. I spoke to Chris Davies a few weeks ago, and those conversations have been ongoing. I met with Frase (Josh Fraser) a couple of weeks ago, and was lucky enough to land a role here, which I'm super excited about."
Roberts has met with senior coach Josh Fraser, who won the vacant role after Michael Voss was sacked midway through the 2026 season.
Fraser's remarkable record during his interim tenure ultimately put a line through rival candidates, with the Blues acknowledging his ability to deliver messages and build relationships.
Roberts also noted another important trait of the Carlton coach.
"Looking from afar, looking in at the club last year, I really like the calmness that he brings," Roberts said.
"I really enjoy the way he got the boys to play, and I think there'll be an evolution to that. I think he's open to that. But not just him; the other coaches I've been fortunate enough to meet recently."
Roberts will take over the forward group, which welcomed former Swan Joel Amartey via free agency.
Amartey will join Harry McKay and Brodie Kemp as key forward threats, while the versatile fleet of Ben Ainsworth, Will Hayward and the potential return of Jesse Motlop from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury has the Blues forward mix looking strong.
"I think they looked really threatening," Roberts said.
"The addition of Joel Amartey coming on board through the free agency period adds to that as well. I think they're quite dynamic and looking forward to working with them and making them more of a threat again."
The new Carlton forwards coach also touched on his own coaching philosophy, and what he'll bring to Ikon Park.
"For me, it's getting to know who you're working with," Roberts said.
"Whoever you are, being felt like you're understood is a really important part. I'm really strong on the relationship part, and I think if you can do that, you can start to bring your strategy to the coaching component."
Roberts isn't the only addition to Carlton, who announced three-time premiership coach Chris Fagan as the club's new director of coaching.
Fagan ended his senior coaching tenure after a dramatic Grand Final win over Fremantle, with an eye on remaining at the club but in a role that isn't as intense.
He'll support Fraser and the coaches in 2027.
The Blues will kick off their 2027 season with a Saturday afternoon clash against Richmond in Round 1 after they were moved from the traditional Thursday night slot.
