IT was a big year for Carlton last year. A new coach brought a new game plan and a complete overhaul of how things are done at Ikon Park.

However, things did not quite go to plan and after a month-long losing run to end the season, and the Blues ultimately finished two games outside the top eight.

But after another preseason under Mathew Buck’s tutelage, will things go better for those in Navy Blue in 2024?

TEAM LIST

#1 Amelia Velardo
#2 Jessica Dal Pos
#3 Darcy Vescio
#4 Keeley Skepper
#5 Abbie McKay
#6 Gabriella Pound
#7 Tahlia Read
#8 Celine Moody
#9 Kerryn Peterson
#10 Mimi Hill
#11 Yasmin Duursma
#12 Jess Good
#13 Lulu Beatty
#14 Marianna Anthony
#15 Meg Robertson
#16 Breann Moody
#17 Dayna Finn
#18 Maddy Guerin
#19 Erone Fitzpatrick*
#20 Lily Goss
#21 Harriet Cordner
#22 Mia Austin
#23 Lila Keck
#24 Brooke Vickers
#25 Keeley Sherar
#26 Tarni Brown
#27 Gena Lawson-Tavan
#29 Jade Halfpenny
#34 Taylor Ortlepp
#37 Ciara Fitzgerald
#49 Madeline Hendrie

* – denotes inactive

SQUAD CHANGES

In: Maddy Guerin (return from inactive list), Celine Moody, Yasmin Duursma, Meg Robertson, Lila Keck, Tarni Brown, Jade Halfpenny

Out: Erone Fitzpatrick (inactive), Mua Laloifi, Annie Lee, Chloe Wrigley, Daisy Walker, Paige Trudgeon, Imogen Milford, Phoebe McWilliams

FIXTURE

Match 1: September 1 vs Hawthorn at Kinetic Stadium
Match 2:  September 8 vs Gold Coast at Great Barrier Reef Arena
Match 3: September 14 vs Geelong at Ikon Park
Match 4: September 19 vs Richmond at Ikon Park
Match 5: September 25 vs North Melbourne at Ikon Park
Match 6: September 29 vs Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval
Match 7: October 5 vs Brisbane at Ikon Park
Match 8: October 12 vs Fremantle at Fremantle Oval
Match 9: October 17 vs Western Bulldogs at Ikon Park
Match 10: October 27 vs Collingwood at Victoria Park
Match 11: TBC vs Essendon at Ikon Park

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

How can Carlton make the jump to finals?

It has been a long time since Carlton made finals, with 2019 being the last postseason to feature the navy blue outfit. With that being the case, what can they change to finally break the stretch of non-finals appearances?

How can Darcy Vescio be better supported?

One issue that has plagued the Blues for years is their forward structure. For too long Darcy Vescio has had to carry a bulk of the scoring load, so what can the Blues do to find Vescio a reliable forward partner to take the pressure off them?

How will Carlton’s midfield look?

One of Carlton’s developing strengths is its midfield, with most of the Blues’ top end talent featuring on-ball. But how do you then add in the likes of draftee Lila Keck and the returning Maddy Guerin to that mix?

PLAYER TO WATCH

Celine Moody

It has been a big offseason for the former Bulldog, who has moved across town to join her sister in navy blue.

After some injuries and falling out of favour as the number one ruck at the Kennel, where will she slot in at Ikon Park – in the ruck, the forward line, or a bit of both?

PREDICTION

It is really difficult to say how Carlton will go this season. It has been a long time between drinks in terms of finals appearance for the Blues, but with a bit more stability behind them, they should be looking to push into the bottom half of the finals. However, with a relatively difficult fixture, it will not be surprising if they find themselves again in that ninth to 12th range.