The departure of Liam Jones has left a cavernous hole in Carlton's defence, with the Blues now needing to define their defensive identity for 2022 as they embark on a journey back into premiership contention.
Collectively, Jones and star backman Jacob Weitering held down the fort of the Blues' backline this season, facing a constant onslaught from the opposition attack as Carlton's midfield failed to restrict and impact possession after turning the ball over.
The Blues duo faced a total of 230 one-on-one contests this year, with Weitering (120) and Jones (110) ranking second and fourth-most in the league for the metric.
Carlton were able to add to their defensive pecking order this off-season with the acquisition of Lewis Young from Whitten Oval, with the club now deeply relying on the 22-year-old to become a fruitful recruit in Jones' absence.
The Blues will also welcome the return of luckless defender Caleb Marchbank from injury next year, while Supplemental Selection Period recruit Oscar McDonald and swingman Mitch McGovern are other options to inject height into the Blues' backline for 2022.
While there are viable names currently calling Ikon Park home that could replace Jones, Carlton's draft planning may now be shifting toward a focus on the tall defenders from this year's class.
With Carlton not entering the National Draft until Pick 25, the Blues will be looking toward the back-end of prospects to potentially aid their defensive stocks.
Highly-touted Vic Country prospect Josh Gibcus is sure to demand a top 10 selection at the draft, being out-of-reach for Carlton's calling.
Looking further down the draft board to suit any of the Blues' selections at 25, 64 and 82 and there are several suitable names for Michael Voss and his recruiting cohort to consider.
Perhaps a more athletic fit down back, Swan Districts defender Rhett Bazzo firms as one of the best tall backs entering the 2021 National Draft, likely warranting a selection in the vicinity of the Blues' first pick at 25th overall.
Standing at 194cm and 81kg, the Blues would lose some height in defence, however Bazzo's potential is as good as any.
Looking toward a more mature-aged recruit, Williamstown star and Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal winner Charlie Dean firms as a top prospect for the later rounds of the draft.
Named in the VFL Team of the Year, Dean has proven to be a formidable asset against senior sides this year and would add a great balance to the Blues' defence.
Central Districts youngster Leek Alleer is another highly-touted teenager that has impressed in his intercept marking ability this year.
Gifted athletically, Alleer boasts a strong leap and is another to have impressed at a more senior level, featuring with the Bulldogs on 11 occasions in the SANFL.
24-year-old West Perth prospect Noah Pegoraro enjoyed a stellar 2021 campaign in the WAFL to represent the Black Swans against South Australia in this year's state clash.
Weighing in at 90kg, Pegoraro is a well-built backman that could have an immediate impact with the Blues.
Geelong Falcons defender Oscar Morrison has been likened to Giants backman Nick Haynes given his capabilities to play both intercepting and lockdown roles.
Morrison was also a member of the NAB League Boys' Team of the Year, claiming the full-back honours with averages of 13.5 disposals and 4.8 marks per match.
Between the aforementioned prospects, the Blues may need to get creative on draft night and potential advance their second selection of Pick 64, with the likes of Dean, Morrison and Alleer potential bolters on draft night.
While Pick 25 could shape as their answer, the Blues could look to split that selection for two later picks in order to strengthen their hand for the later rounds.
The 2021 National Draft will commence on November 24-25, with the opening night only including the first round of selections.
