BRAD Lloyd's first week as Carlton's new footy boss is done and dusted.
He's got his Ikon Park swipe pass, he's filled out his HR forms and he's met the team.
Now it's down to business.
The former Fremantle list manager spent 11 years in a variety of roles with the Dockers, but arrives at the Blues at arguably the most important stage of the club's rebuild.
Set to work closely with Carlton coach Brendon Bolton and list boss Stephen Silvagni, Lloyd is now one of the most influential figures in the football department at Ikon Park.
While there will be a number of items on the agenda in his first few weeks at Carlton, we've listed the 10 outstanding matters Lloyd will want to address at the Blues.
WHAT WORKED, WHAT FAILED? Blues' season review
1. Sign Simmo
Bolton was clear on Kade Simpson's future: "We want him to (play on), we need him to and he wants to." This one should be easy for Lloyd and Silvagni, but that doesn't mean it's any less important. Simpson remains one of Carlton's most influential players and thoroughly deserves a contract for 2019. He'll be 35 years of age next year, but you can guarantee he'll still be one of Carlton's most reliable on-field leaders.
2. Kade's not the only one who needs their future resolved
Dale Thomas is also waiting on a contract that his form this season has warranted. The same goes for Jed Lamb. And Matt Wright. And probably Sam Rowe as well. Then there are the tougher decisions for Carlton's list management committee. Uncontracted duo Sam Kerridge and Nick Graham have been bit-part players for the Blues this season, but face a nervous wait in regards to their future. Rookie pair Aaron Mullett and Cam O'Shea are also believed to be on one-year deals, having arrived prior to the season.
Sam Kerridge does it all himself against his old side. #AFLBluesCrows pic.twitter.com/BYiEAucDYI
— AFL (@AFL) August 25, 2018
3. Write the application for a priority pick
Just do it. Throw pride out the window and get the assistance the club desperately needs to kick-start its rebuild. The Blues have backflipped on their public stance regarding priority picks, but clearly their long-term future would look better with another early draft selection - no matter what form it comes in. If it's access to state-league players, get the best available. If it has to be traded, do what you can with it. Given the club has 'won' its fifth wooden spoon in 17 years, it is well within its rights to ask for draft help.
4. Set a strategy for pick No.1
Silvagni, recruiting manager Paul Brodie and list manager Michael Agresta would have done a mountain of work on the best junior prospects already. So, are the Blues leaning towards Sam Walsh or Jack Lukosius? Or do they trust the depth of the draft enough to trade down the order for multiple picks? Regardless, the Blues appear to appreciate the profile of their list and won't toss the long-term plan away for an established player. However, heading into the trade period, it's essential they know exactly what they want from this year's draft.
5. Listen to offers for it … then hang up the phone
Carlton knows Adelaide is desperate for the first pick - talented South Australian prospects like Lukosius don't come around very often. So, the Blues should take their call, listen to their offer, and then hang up. The Crows' first offer won't be their best. And the Blues have no reason to sell unless that offer is an unbelievable one. In all likelihood, Carlton will take pick No.1 to the draft. But Lloyd and Silvagni should dangle it in front of Adelaide for as long as possible in the hope the Crows do produce a 'Godfather' offer.
6. Lock Adam Cerra's number into your phone
He might need to give the Eastern Ranges youngster a call over the next 12 months. The talented Fremantle midfielder remains the only player from the top 10 of last year's draft to not yet sign a contract extension, and it doesn't sound like he plans on doing so any time soon. The classy ball-winner was believed to be high on Carlton's radar ahead of last year's draft, before the Blues opted for Paddy Dow with pick No.3. But the longer Cerra remains unsigned, the more Carlton's interest might grow. Let's hope Lloyd built a good relationship with the young midfielder during their brief time together over in Western Australia.
The Blues should be keeping tabs on young Docker Adam Cerra. Picture: AFL Photos
7. And make sure SOS still has Dave Matthews' number
While Lloyd has his contact book open, he might be wise to ask SOS for a few numbers from GWS as well. The Blues are one of a number of clubs set to look at Dylan Shiel this summer, while they might also take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding Will Setterfield's future. Regardless of whether they prize either of those two this year, having those numbers could be just as important in 2019, when a host of quality Giants come out of contract. Josh Kelly, Stepen Coniglio, Jacob Hopper and Shiel head that list and will all receive significant rival interest. If the Blues don't get the blue-chipper they're after this year, maybe they'll try their luck again next season.
8. Create a list of priority re-signings for 2019
The Blues wouldn't want too many of their own attracting rival interest next year. They have done well recently in locking away Charlie Curnow and Patrick Cripps before they came into a contract year, and may look to secure a few more while they're at it. First-round picks Harry McKay, Caleb Marchbank and David Cuningham will be the priorities, as their current deals expire next season, while Matthew Kreuzer, Liam Jones, Levi Casboult and Jack Silvagni are others who the club will have to make an interesting decision on.
9. Burn the Fremantle media manual
Fremantle's footy boss, Chris Bond, is hardly ever heard from across the course of a season. That simply won't cut it at Carlton. A two-win season is never easy to endure. But, credit to Bolton, he continues to front up week after week. There have been mitigating circumstances behind Carlton's disappointing campaign, and Bolton has done his best to explain them throughout the year. But the supporter base has been restless to hear from a fresh voice. Calls for Mark LoGiudice and Stephen Silvagni to speak were heeded midway through the season, but fans want to hear from those figures on a more consistent basis - especially at struggling clubs. Lloyd might be asked to do more media work in 2019, and he should get on the front foot in that department almost immediately.
10. And if he's still got time, get on the phone to Nike
If Lloyd wants the easiest and quickest way to endear himself to the Carlton faithful, the answer is simple: Help get rid of the grey jumper.