HAVING lost key position pillars in each third of the ground during trade period, Carlton added three young prospects at the AFL Draft, including a pair of club-tied players. The Blues were also able to address the future in preparation for another father-son gun next year.

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DRAFT HAUL

NATIONAL DRAFT:
Pick 3. Harry Dean
Pick 45. Talor Byrne
Pick 47. Jack Ison

>> CLICK each player’s names for full profiles & highlights

Holding picks nine and 11 heading into night one, Carlton was made to mobilise after word that West Coast would make an early bid on Harry Dean came to fruition. Dealing with Essendon and North Melbourne respectively, the Blues cleared out their early selections to match a bid at pick three.

Dean, the son of two-time premiership Blue and 248-gamer Peter, is a chip off the old block. He’s taller than his old man but just as competitive and stingy on the defensive end. His aerial prowess has been noted throughout the year, marking everything that comes his way and thriving in one-on-one contests.

While 2015 father-son selection Jack Silvagni packed up for St Kilda, Dean will fittingly have the opportunity to essentially reprise his role in defence. He has already begun his education alongside the many experienced members of Carlton’s backline, so should make a seamless transition into the squad.

Carlton was in a relatively unique position – barring the likes of Gold Coast – with two of its three selections all but locked in ahead of the draft. The second was Next Generation Academy member Jack Ison, who the Blues would have matched a bid for wherever it came. Luckily, it slide to pick 47.

That result was one the Blues were pleased with, allowing them to trade out of earlier picks and shuffle down the order while bolstering their 2026 hand. The latter factor will be important given early father-son nominee Cody Walker (son of Andrew) already shapes as another top three prospect.

Ison is the kind of player forwards love to see with the ball in his hands. He’s a smooth mover and quality left-foot kick who can roll through midfield, on the wing, or even across flanks at either end of the ground. His versatility and skill are the traits Carlton is most excited to see translate to AFL level.

Not to be forgotten in the Blues’ crop is childhood ‘Bagger, Talor Byrne. The GWV Rebels pocket rocket is a player Carlton rated quite highly, offering elite crumbing ability and the tenacity to attack contests at 100 per cent. He’s yet another sharp left-footer who should add some pop to Carlton’s front half.

The Blues ended up passing at the Rookie Draft and have left a list spot open for train-on players to vie for. Athletic West Australian forward Wesley Walley is said to be joining that group, which is fronted by delisted pair Elijah Hollands and Will White.

GRADE: A

It was just about an ideal draft for the Blues, who dealt with an unideal early bid and were able to address needs for now and the future. Their priority players in Dean and Ison possess plenty of upside, while Byrne adds speed and pressure to a growing small forward group. Staying patient to bring in a future second round pick via live trading was a win with Walker in mind for next year. Ticks all round.