WITH the 2021 trade period done and dusted, it is now time for clubs and fans alike to turn their attention to the draft. Between now and draft day (November 24/25), clubs have had the opportunity to exchange picks with the final order formed just over a week out. While the chaos settles, Rookie Me Central takes a look at how each club may approach the upcoming intake with the hand they formed at the close of trade period.

Next under the microscope are the Carlton Blues, who again take in relatively slim hand and could get busy once live trading and bidding commence on night two.

CURRENT PICKS: 25, 64, 82

2022 PICKS: CAR Round 1, CAR Round 2, CAR Round 4

ACADEMY/FATHER-SON COMBINE INVITEES:

Nil.

* – denotes club elected against nomination

LIST NEEDS:

+ Midfield running power and class
+ Small forward
+ Key defensive depth

FIRST PICK OPTIONS:
(Pick 25)

The Blues are poised well at pick 25 to react to what their rivals have done and get creative within round two. Midfielder-forwards, or players with a mix of class and running power will help build Carlton’s depth between an elite set of bookends, and there are plenty of options in that category around this kind of range.

Among Carlton’s prime targets is Connor Macdonald, a quick inside midfielder who could well turn into a high half-forward at the next level. He was a consistent ball winner at NAB League and APS level this season, blending a touch of flair with the work rate required to impact in midfield.

Dandenong Stingrays teammate Judson Clarke would also be in the mix and is arguably more a forward than Macdonald, with his agility and finishing ability both eye-catching weapons. In a similar boat, Sam Butler will surely be too hard to pass up should he remain on the board, though that seems unlikely. Same goes for flying wingman Campbell Chesser.

Keeping in theme with crafty smalls, Zac Taylor is a midfielder with all the class that Carlton is screaming out for going inside 50. The Calder Cannons best and fairest winner has that mid-forward potential and like the prospects above, could be a bargain pick within the 20-30 range.

The Blues also love placing bids and there are a few within the realms of possibility before they take their own player. If Mitch Owens survives the top 20, he and fellow St Kilda NGA candidate Marcus Windhager may attract interest, and the same can be said for GWS Academy dasher Josh Fahey. Fremantle NGA product Jesse Motlop is another, though the Blues would actually have access to him within the top 40, and he suits the small forward need.

Liam Jones‘ retirement may throw a spanner in the works, with the key defender leaving a sizeable hole in Carlton’s spine. Although the recruitment of Lewis Young and return of Caleb Marchbank should prove timely, the Blues could target an intercept marker like Rhett Bazzo to solidify their stocks. Splitting pick 25 is also not out of the question, especially if the Blues see multiple players they rate highly as gettable slightly down the order.

REMAINING CROP:

Depending on what Carlton does with pick 25, its remaining hand may not even be used. Pick 82 is just about irrelevant, but if the Blues opt against trading or splitting their first selection then pick 64 could come into play. It would be at the very end of the draft, with no more than around 65 picks set to be taken overall.

The Blues could look at some high upside medium-small talent as they have done, but picking up a raw and developable tall is also viable considering the Jones retirement. With the crop so even in the middle and late stages, you could throw a blanket over about 40 players in the mix, and Carlton will likely end up with one or two picks overall.

KEY QUESTIONS:

> Will Carlton keep or split pick 25?
> Does Liam Jones’ retirement change Carlton’s plans?
> Will Carlton again dabble in the bidding system?