BLOODING the next generation is Carlton's priority for the rest of the season.

That's the view of many fans who gave their mid-season verdict on the Blues in an AFL.com.au survey.

Wins over Essendon, Sydney and Collingwood had the Blues within a game of the eight after seven rounds, but three losses followed and few fans expect the club to improve after its bye.

Only 15 per cent of fans tip Carlton to finish higher than 14th this season, with a small majority predicting 16th place as the Blues' final position.

Getting game time into the club's emerging stars is seen as top of the to-do list for the well-supported coach Brendon Bolton, along with wins over local rivals and a higher finish than the Blues' oldest foe, Collingwood.

Here are the full survey results, plus a selection of fans' views on how the Blues can make the best of another season destined to end before September.

It'll be a good year for the Blues if ... 

We don't get the wooden spoon.
- Nathan Blithe, Essendon

We can win 9-10 games, go injury-free and get games into youngsters
- Rosban Doblo, Fremantle WA

Sam Petrevski-Seton commits to being a lifelong Blue.
- Bruno Hatchi, Strathmore Vic

We end up with five or six Rising Star nominations and Caleb Marchbank wins the award.
- Paul Reynolds, South Yarra Vic

We get Harry McKay and Ciaran Byrne in the team and win three more games.
- Michael McGee, Kalgoorlie WA

Curnow, Silvagni, Petrevski-Seton, Marchbank, Plowman, Cunningham, Williamson and Fisher show they belong at AFL level.
- Duncan Haig, Sydney NSW

We end up higher on the ladder than Collingwood
- Amy Dear, Northcote Vic

Read more

• Mid-season review: How the Blues' best 22 has changed

• More mid-season reviews: your club's pass mark and biggest worry

• Fan survey results: You say the flag is a two-horse race