A chaotic off-season saw Carlton part ways with its two-time Coleman Medal-winning forward and bring in five players from other clubs as the club seeks a September return.
The 2025 season itself was one of disappointment, falling out of the top eight and looking some way from contending for a flag just two years after reaching a preliminary final.
Where they stand in 2026 will be fascinating, with the departure of Charlie Curnow openinga gaping void in Michael Voss' front third.
While the Blues didn't find a key forward replacement, they did sign Swans gun Will Hayward, who headlines a quintet of fresh faces on the list.
Carlton will also have 2024 Pick 3 selection Jagga Smith at their disposal after his maiden season in navy blue was over before it could begin, having gone down with an ACL injury last pre-season.
With plenty of personnel change and a number of senior Blues players needing to show their worth this year, we take a look at Carlton's best 23 for 2026.
Defenders
Viewed as the weaker third of the field for the Blues, who have continued to be heavily reliant on All-Australian tall Jacob Weitering.
The club's search to find him support was aided by Nick Haynes' arrival, however the ex-Giant turns 34 in May and might be entering his last season.
Harry O'Farrell showed promise across half-a-dozen games in his debut season, only for an ACL injury to end his campaign and potentially wipe out his entire 2026.
Father-son draftee Harry Dean looks to be the answer though, having emerged as the highest-picked key defender in a draft since Weitering went No.1 overall over a decade ago.
The Vic Country talent is ready to go, and should benefit from the presence of Weitering and Haynes beside him.
Voss' ground-level options will also be bolstered as veteran Nic Newman eyes a return from a year on the sidelines. Ollie Hollands was strong in his absence, and the pair could now combine as the club's distributors from defence.
Ex-Swan Ollie Florent and Eagle-turned-Blue can also slot into flank or wing roles and may be used at half-back, while Lachie Cowan is a solid intercepting option who can be accountable for both tall and small opponents.
