THE Blues have conducted a big clean-out after finishing on the bottom of the ladder, and would hope to boost their side with young talent. Amelia Barden, who comes from Collingwood will add to Carlton’s inside midfield brigade while rugby sevens duo, Chloe Dalton and Brooke Walker could add exciting aggression and agility to the Blues’ outfit. With Darcy Vescio having a stellar Victorian Football League (VFL) Women’s season and Brianna Davey sticking with the Blues, a rise could be on the cards for Carlton.

Last season: 8th

In: Amelia Barden, Chloe Dalton, Brooke Walker

Out: Maddison Gay, Lauren Arnell, Danielle Hardiman, Kate Gillespie-Jones, Maddy Keryk, Sarah Last, Laura Attard, Kate Shierlaw, Tiahna Cochrane (rookie), Katie-Jayne Grieve (rookie), Sophie Li

CARLTON AFLW List (21/30)

• Shae Audley
• Amelia Barden
• Lauren Brazzale
• Chloe Dalton
• Brianna Davey
• Alison Downie
• Georgia Gee
• Kerryn Harrington
• Tayla Harris
• Reni Hicks
• Jess Hosking
• Sarah Hosking
• Bridie Kennedy
• Katie Loynes
• Tilly Lucas-Rodd
• Breann Moody
• Natalie Plane
• Gabriella Pound
• Nicola Stevens
• Darcy Vescio
• Brooke Walker
• Courtney Webb

DRAFT PICKS

3, 16, 27, 38, 48, 49

POSSIBLE DRAFT PROSPECTS

The Blues have the first of the Victorian metropolitan picks and undoubtedly, Calder Cannons captain, Madison Prespakis will be on their mind. Prespakis was a favourite to go number one in the AFL Women’s Draft this year, but after nominating to go a metropolitan Victorian club, it ruled her out of going to Geelong at pick one. This presents a prime opportunity for the Blues to take one of the best Victorian metropolitan players. Vic Country representative, Tyla Hanks will also be a key prospect, having played with the Blues in the VFL Women’s season. Hanks was the leading disposal-getter in her first game with the Blues and has proved to be a dangerous midfielder throughout her junior career. Carlton AFL Women’s coach, Daniel Harford has expressed interest in Sandringham Dragons midfielder, Abbie McKay, who is the daughter of Carlton premiership player, Andrew McKay. These midfielders could help fill the void left by Maddison Gay and Madeline Keryk, who were both delisted from Carlton’s list. The Blues will make history by drafting McKay, as it will be the first ever father-daughter selection. With the loss of Danielle Hardiman and Kate Gillespie-Jones,Carlton could fill its defensive stocks by drafting Vic Country representative, Jordyn Allen. Allen led the way for the Dandenong Stingrays this season and also made the AFL Women’s Under 18 All Australian side. Vic Metro representative, Eleanor Brown may also be a name that the Blues will keep an eye on, as she can play in the midfield or across half-back.