CARLTON made wholesale changes to its list over the off-season with six delistings and one retirement, while bringing in a couple of Irish rookies and Gold Coast Suns’ skipper. Able to hold onto their first two selections, the Blues moved up for their third and what will be their final, selection at the death.

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2024 RECORD: 14th, 4-7, 50.0%
2024 PICKS: 5, 23, 45, 77

LIST CHANGES:
IN: Tara Bohanna (Gold Coast), Aisling Reidy, Siofra Ni Chonaill (Ireland), Pick 45
OUT: Jess Dal Pos (retired), Marianna Anthony, Tahlia Read, Lulu Beatty, Jade Halfpenny, Genevieve Lawson-Tavan, Taylor Ortlepp (delisted), Pick 41, Pick 59

FIRST PICK:
Pick 5

All eyes will be on whether or not the bid for father-daughter Sophie McKay comes before or after the Blues’ first selection. Almost certainly it will come after it providing much relief for the recruitment team and fans alike, knowing they will match with Pick 23. As for the selection itself, Carlton will likely expect Ash Centra and the two West Australians in Zippy Fish and Molly O’Hehir to be off the board, with the big question mark on who else gets picked up.

Carlton has not really got its forward mix humming in recent times, but the inclusion of Bohanna suggests that she will be the answer, with Emma McDonald a chance at Pick 5. However one of India Rasheed and Lou Painter – both of whom provide great flexibility between midfield and attack – would be a shrewd pick for the navy blue, and add some serious power and smarts in the front half.

REMAINING CROP:
Picks 23, 45, 77

As mentioned, McKay will essentially become Pick 23, which means the Blues will turn their attention to Pick 45 which at this stage looms as their final selection. It is very difficult to try and work out who will be available at those pick, but Carlton love bringing home Bluebaggers to the club.

Most of the childhood Carlton fans will be off the board, so will make it tough, though Zoe Hargreaves and South Australian MVP Esther Schirmer might be a couple of names with a chance of being there. A versatile utility such as Lexi Gregor could be a great choice if there, as could be South Australian Jemma Charity who has the potential to be far better than where she lands.

Carlton’s VFLW side also has produced some AFLW players in the past, with 19-year-old Isla Baldwin a name to keep in mind considering she came equal runner-up in the Blues’ best and fairest and has shown great development through her overage year.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– Will a club force Carlton to use its first selection on Sophie McKay?
– The Blues are known for taking childhood supporters, and with the large contingent in this year’s draft, will that occur again?
– Could the Blues top-up with a readymade VFLW player from their list?