New Carlton midfield coach Leigh Adams believes that he has "a really good mix" at his disposal, but the inclusion of draftee Jagga Smith could unlock the group's potential.
Smith sat out the entirety of his maiden season at AFL level following an ACL injury in the pre-season, but comes to the club as a highly touted midfielder, reflected by his selection at Pick 3 in a stacked 2024 draft.
The Blues decisively traded Picks 12 and 14 to acquire the Oakleigh Chargers standout.
Adams crossed to the Blues after a lengthy stint at North Melbourne, and will be tasked with the on-ball brigade at Ikon Park for the 2026 season.
A midfielder in his own right, the former Roo is eyeing a blend like the reigning premiers, who boast the likes of Josh Dunkley and Lachie Neale as inside weapons, combined with the offensive outside flair of Hugh McCluggage and the Ashcroft brothers.
Since Michael Voss took over as senior coach of Carlton ahead of the 2022 season, the Blues have ranked third or higher in average contested possessions, but have struggled to translate that inside dominance.
According to WheeloRatings, in 2025, the Blues were ranked first for 1st possession, but slipped to 15th when converting that possession to a clearance.
The injection of Smith could change that.
"I can't see it changing too much, when you've got players of that ilk with Cripps and Hewett as your big bulls in there," Adams said.
"It seems like a really good mix with Cerra and Walsh, and I'm looking forward to seeing Jagga Smith out there - I think all Carlton supporters will be looking forward to seeing him go through there.
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"We've got to make sure we get the mix right, of blokes who can go in there and be really strong and contested, but also get the balance of modern-day footy by being able to get out and run.
"We saw that in the finals. You look at Brisbane, who has the mix of Josh Dunkley, who's really strong inside, but then the ability of Zac Bailey and Ashcroft and these guys to get the balance of inside and out.
"That'll be really crucial to the success of this footy club."
The Blues have undergone a significant upheaval of their playing and coaching staff following the guidance of new CEO Graham Wright.
Charlie Curnow headed the changes exiting Ikon Park, which included Jack Silvagni, Tom De Koning and Corey Durdin.
Walking into Carlton are Liam Reidy, Campbell Chesser, Ben Ainsworth, Will Hayward, and Oliver Florent, as well as Adams (midfield coach), Josh Fraser (forward), Damien Truslove (VFL), and Chris Davies as football boss.
