The Blues have taken huge steps forward in 2020 and can now dream big about their exciting future.
In saying that, the Baggers still have some areas that they need to strengthen going into 2021 - but they have the salary cap space to add the necessary talent.
After missing out on some of the game's bigger names over the past few years, the Blues have room in their cap for a big fish. There is no better time to strike the player market now that list sizes and expected to be cut and salary cups shrunk.
But where do they shift their focus? This year's free agency crop isn't as strong as it has been in recent years, so the Carlton hierarchy will need to be creative. They have their eyes still firmly set on Swans star Tom Papley after missing out on him last year.
But with the Swans likely play hard ball again, the Blues will need to have half an eye on other potential recruits.
Carlton has been known to bring in big fish on big money, but those deals haven't always proven fruitful. They need to be wise with their spending at the end of 2020.
Here are 10 players the Blues should target in the off-season.
Not the big fish per se but a potentially handy pickup. Lonie's name was bantered around two seasons ago as the Blues went on the hunt for a small forward. The deal never eventuated nor did it ever really get off the ground. The classy left footer would provide support to an ageing Eddie Betts and a point of difference being left footed. He would come pretty cheap to compared to some other players on this list.
Similar to Lonie, Petruccelle could be the ideal crumber to play next to Betts up forward and take over the mantle as the Blues' premier small forward in the coming years. The Victorian 21-year old has played just three games for the Eagles this season and comes out of contract.
Perryman has had a terrific start to 2020 and made himself a regular fixture in the GWS best 22. His appeal to Carlton will be his ability to play on the wing. A position currently occupied by Sam Walsh, however, the Blues would be able to move Walsh back onto the ball if they acquired him. A good get on a potential cheapish deal.
Williams is out of contract at the end of 2020 and may be forced out due to a lack of cap room at GWS. Williams is a making his name as a versatile half back/midfielder and will be on the radar of a lot of clubs. If utilised on ball, he would provide a lot of support for Patrick Cripps and inject some much needed pace into the Carlton midfield.
Crouch is a huge chance to depart Adelaide at the end of the season - the Crows need draft picks and he seems happy to go. He would take a lot of the grunt workload off Patrick Cripps and is a proven ball winner.
You couldn't back many of the Carlton mids to get 25 plus disposals a game and crash packs, something Crouch provides. He will command a fair pay packet though.
The out-of-contract De Goey could take more money elsewhere to leave the Pies.. could he make the move to the arch rival? De Goey would provide a key element of difference to Carlton's forward line.
They have the talls and smalls but lack a mid size forward that can play both positions. De Goey would bring star power, goal-kicking prowess and seriously reignite the Carlton-Collingwood rivalry.
Wines reportedly made an approach to Carlton during last year's trade period but the Blues eyes were focused elsewhere. However, if he was to again want a move away from Alberton, Princes Park could be the ideal home.
Alongside Cripps, they would bully opposition midfields and look after each other's bodies over the years. Wines would take some getting at the trade table but if he wants to, seems very gettable.
This may be way out of reach, but if there is any chance of Cameron leaving Brisbane, Carlton need to throw the kitchen sink at him. Cameron and Eddie Betts are a deadly duo. as proven in Adelaide, and Cameron has now gone to another level. His goal scoring ability is worth every cent and he would be the perfect small forward foil for the Blues attack.
Carlton went hard for Kelly in 2017 and just missed...just. He then signed a two-year deal with GWS with an eight-year trigger should he wish to. Those first two years are about to expire and there is a belief that the silky left-footer is gettable.
Carlton once again have the means to bring him in. He would be unbelievably well served next to Cripps and would be everything Blues fans have been dreaming of. He wouldn't come cheap, but the Blues should be willing to spend big for Kelly.
Last year Carlton wanted Papley and went hard, but were denied mainly due to circumstances out of their control. They will go again by all reports at the end of 2020.
Papley would be the perfect fit for Carlton's forward line - he is a dynamic, instinctive goal scorer and loves the big stage. He would fit right into the navy blue jumper.
It's unclear if his desire is still to leave Sydney, you can bet Carlton's approach hasn't changed. He's contracted until 2023 and the Blues don't have the draft picks they did in 2019. But you get a feeling this one will get done someway somehow and be the perfect addition for Davids Teague's side.