SUCH has been the turnover at Carlton that the two players most pivotal to the Blues' 2018 hopes have played just 86 games between them.
Clearance king Patrick Cripps (59 games) and rangy midfielder Charlie Curnow (27 games) were nominated as the Blues' key players as fans analysed their side's 2018 prospects in AFL.com.au's pre-season fan survey.
Carlton has made 42 list changes since coach Brendan Bolton took over after the 2015 season, with Bryce Gibbs' departure in October's NAB AFL Trade Period a major loss.
But list manager Stephen Silvagni used the trade and draft periods to bolster the Blues' midfield with new arrivals Matthew Kennedy (from GWS) and Darcy Lang (from Geelong), and first-round draftees Paddy Dow and Lochie O'Brien.
Despite their side's inexperience and the hole opened in defence by All-Australian defender Sam Docherty's ACL injury, on average Blues fans expect their side to improve to 13th spot this year.
Here are the pre-season survey results, plus a selection of Blues' fans responses.
What's the Blues' weakest spot on the park?
Definitely the forward line. Hopefully having Paddy Dow and Lochie O'Brien in the midfield will create opportunities for Paddy Cripps to go forward every now and then.
- Gary Jones, Melbourne, Vic
Centre half-forward and full-forward. Levi Casboult doesn't have the instincts to match his ability and Harry McKay is still too green.
- Grant Williams, Para Hills SA
Our Docherty-less defence.
- Adam Conroy, Narrandera NSW
It'll be a great year if ...
... we have a consistent team that is able to perform for four quarters, and we win more than we lose against the bottom 10 sides.
- Boris Garcia, Adelaide SA
... Matt Kreuzer plays 20 games, some third and fourth-year players go up a notch and Cripps has a couple of mates winning some ball.
- David Ticehurst, Axedale Vic
... the Blues win eight games, Cripps goes through the year with no injuries and Kade Simpson brings up game number 300 with a win.
- Mitchell Peate, Padbury WA
What's your dream headline in 2018?
'Blues open their season with a convincing win over the Tigers at the 'G'
- Luka Dluzniak, Kew Vic
'Carlton thump Collingwood in shock elimination final win. Eddie spotted leaving the MCG at three-quarter time'
- Rob Colaiacovo, Magill SA
'How the baby Blues made the finals'
- Jack Keyhoe, Mont Albert Vic
What's the headline you secretly dread?
'Inaccuracy costs Blues again'
- Max Long, Rivett ACT
'Gibbs wins Brownlow'
- Nic Fisher, Nundah Qld
'Blues earn fifth wooden spoon'
- Thomas Marble, Coburg Vic
Read more fans' season previews
• Adelaide: Bryce is nice, but backline the worry
• Brisbane: 50 goals for Eric and no spoon, please
