Should Carlton look at Adelaide's axing of Josh Rachele as an example to deal with their form crisis?

The Blues' dramatic slump to 12th position has come as a surprise to most, with the AFL fraternity believing Michael Voss' list is capable of contending for a premiership.

And yet, they sit four games outside the top eight, while calls for Voss to depart have been ringing through the competition landscape.

But in the interim, is there something Carlton can do before the end of the season?

The Crows omitted Rachele from the club's Round 24 clash last year after "ignoring instructions" and going against what was best for the side.

Adelaide forward Josh Rachele speaks on costly 'errors' in Essendon clash
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 19: Darcy Fogarty and Josh Rachele of the Crows after their loss during the 2024 AFL Round 06 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Essendon Bombers at Adelaide Oval on April 19, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The forward livewire hit the front page of papers by signalling to Port Adelaide fans they have no teeth, and made headlines for radio comments that weren't aligned with the values of the West Lakes club. He was sent back to the SANFL as a result.

"There's never a good time with these sorts of decisions," Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said at the time.

"In the end, you're dealing with values, and there's no decision to be made.

"We want to be serious about those values that we've got to live up to those, so we got to go down the path we need to go down.

"And make sure that we're true to those; otherwise, they're just words."

Rachele's form has rarely wavered during his time at the Crows, but his buy-in and commitment to the club have improved drastically, resulting in a career-best season, which has recently been hindered by a knee injury.

Would Carlton benefit from this remedy? The tough love cure that would set the club on a better path?

From the eye, onlookers can see a host of Blues that could profit from a stint in the VFL.

Blake Acres, Jesse Motlop, Mitch McGovern and Adam Saad have played 14 or more games this season, but their output has been less than desirable.

The quartet are performing well below par, but are amongst a chorus of Blues who, for the majority of 2025, aren't doing the jumper proud.

Admittedly, the decision to axe all veterans wouldn't be wise, but an eagerness to blood the youth on the list could help propel the club forward in 2026.

Wantaway ruckman Tom De Koning looks disinterested, and appears bound to join St Kilda as a free agent in October. Could Voss push him to the reserves and start looking at options that will be there next year?

Has Ashton Moir been given a fair run in the seniors? What about the Camporeale twins?

All the questions Carlton should be asking.

It would not only provide a different lens to the future, but also a willingness from Voss and his charges to be flexible amid the current crisis.