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.
Forwards
The well-documented loss of Curnow and the lack of a replacement are major concerns.
Harry McKay, a Coleman Medal winner in his own right, looks set to have little support from other tall forwards, with the only other pure key forward from 2025 in Harry Lemmey delisted.
Brodie Kemp, who stands at 193cm, might be the Blues' second tall option, with a reliance on Will Hayward to play above his 186cm frame needed.
O'Keeffe, who has five games to his name, might be called on as a supporting tall who also shifts to the ruck when required.
What becomes obvious is that if McKay goes down with injury, which he has been prone to do, then there are real fears of finding an aerial target when Carlton goes forward.
Voss does have a range of fleet-footed smalls who will look to clean up when the ball hits the deck howveer.
The newly-arrived Ainsworth will be looking to a hard edge in the front third, adding to the pace provided by Zac Williams, Francis Evans and Jesse Motlop.
Flynn Young showed promise after joining via the Mid-Season Draft last year, while Lachie Fogarty adds some defensive pressure.
Young forward Ashton Moir is another to keep in mind, and he is able to play taller than his build suggests.
