STRENGTHS:

+ Competitiveness
+ Consistency
+ Decision making
+ Kicking
+ Intercepting
+ Rebounding

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Contested ball
- Midfield craft

Carmichael presents a well-rounded profile, which is something he has worked on across the course of the year. After making his way as a reliable distributor off half-back, he sought to improve his midfield craft and held his own there when given the opportunity. Carmichael's defensive weapons also grew as he continued to utilise his overhead marking ability, while competing well in one-on-one situations and generating counterattacks.

It is no surprise that Carmichael has been trusted with kick-in duties across just about every team he has represented. His vision and decision making allow his efficient skills to shine, with the keen playmaker able to relieve pressure by hitting short targets, or driving the ball forward with penetrative passes. Carmichael 's ability to assess his options is credit to how well he reads the game, which also translates to his intercepting prowess.

With ball in hand, Carmichael poses a threat when he can link up and begin chain running. Whether starting from deep or cutting off opposition kicks across a high line, he follows up his initial disposal to notch several possessions in single passages, helping work the ball all the way up the field. He also has a deceptive amount of poise and agility in traffic, knowing where the pressure will come to then manufacture extra time in possession.

Perhaps the more underrated facets of Carmichael's game lie in his defensive attributes. He is a capable interceptor who takes the ball cleanly overhead and can mop up at ground level, never afraid to put his body on the line. The same applies to his tackling, able to either force spills or wrap up opponents who have built a full head of steam. His one-on-one ability is quite sound too, exhibiting good core strength and competitiveness to win the ball.

Although, the contested side of the game is where Carmichael can continue to grow. He went at a 79 per cent uncontested possession rate at the National Championships, highlighting his preferred method as a half-back. He was also exposed to the midfield, though, and hopes to refine his stoppage craft to continue being a versatile asset at the next level. Often times, he joins or hangs just off the back of stoppages to help move the play forward.

It was admittedly difficult to identify glaring weaknesses in Carmichael's game. He does just about everything well and is as consistent as they come. That kind of bankability is something recruiters crave, and the Swans Academy prospect offers it in spades. Carmichael has also become a proven leader, thriving off being afforded greater responsibility in each team and welcoming the expectation placed on him over the years.