FB: Jordan Russell, Michael Jamison, Dennis Armfield
HB: Andrew Carrazzo, Paul Bower, Chris Yarran
C: Kade Simpson, Bryce Gibbs, Kane Lucas
HF: Andrew Walker, Jarrad Waite, Eddie Betts
FF: Jeff Garlett, Lachie Henderson, Ryan Houlihan
FOLL: Rob Warnock, Chris Judd, Marc Murphy
I/C: Matthew Kreuzer, Brock McLean, Heath Scotland
SUB: Mitch Robinson
Injury list
Michael Jamison - suspension (two weeks)
David Ellard - suspension (one week)
Matthew Kreuzer - knee (4-5 weeks)
Luke Mitchell - shoulder (8 weeks - Long term injury list)
Unlikely for round one due to lack of match practice
Ryan Houlihan - played one practice match in the VFL
Setanta O’hAilpin - played one practice match in the VFL
Brock McLean - Has played 1 ½ games in the VFL
Unlikely for round one due to lack of match practice
Ryan Houlihan - played one practice match in the VFL
Setanta O’hAilpin - played one practice match in the VFL
Brock McLean - Has played 1 ? games in the VFL
Most valuable player
The conversation begins and ends with Chris Judd. The skipper is still by far the most influential figure at Carlton, both on and off the field, three seasons after he arrived from West Coast. He's won three John Nicholls medals and a Brownlow in that time and will be the key factor for the Blues again in 2011.
Track specialist
Robbie Warnock has won rave reviews from Brett Ratten for the pre-season he's been able to put in. The foot issues that cruelled his attempts to make a strong first impression after his move from Fremantle appear to be a thing of the past and he's put on some bulk in the gym. Like most big fellas, he's taken some time to come on but at 24 he looks to have finally grown into his body.
Dream Team special
At $240,900 Warnock represents good value for a ruckman who will play every week if fit. After a disastrous first season with the Blues, he managed 12 games last year and appears poised to take his game to the next level in 2011. Mature-aged recruit Nick Duigan has caught the eye in defence since arriving at the club and could be a bargain basement bolter.
Pivotal match View the full Blues fixture here
The Blues face reigning premier Collingwood plus Essendon and the Crows, both of whom they've struggled with in recent times, in the first six rounds. They could conceivably be 3-3 going into the clash against the Saints in round seven just before their first bye, giving the coach an uncomfortable fortnight with a loss. At the other end of the spectrum, the match could present an opportunity for Carlton to build on a great start with a confidence-boosting win over a flag contender.
Draftee watch
Matthew Watson, the Blues' latest first-round pick, is a chance to fill Michael Jamison's shoes while the regular full back is suspended in the first two games, but fourth rounder Nick Duigan looks likely to play the most senior footy of the latest draft class. At 26, the rugged former Norwood defender looks ready to push for a spot in the club's best 22.
The Blues will have a good year if…
… Brock McLean can get on the park. Ratten clearly saw the Demon hard nut as the missing piece of the puzzle when he traded for him, but injuries have meant he's been unable to complete what would be a pretty impressive midfield. His pre-season hasn't been flash, but even if he can work into the rotations a month or so in he'll free Judd from some of the heavy lifting inside which will benefit the team immensely.
The big issues
Can the Blues deliver on their promise of 'uncompromising' footy in 2011? That's the word Ratten is using to describe the brand of footy he's demanding from his players after a bruising summer on the track.
What kind of impact can Matthew Kreuzer have? The budding ruck star will resume from a knee reconstruction early in the season.
Will Ratten lead Carlton to a finals victory after two failed attempts? That's the pass mark that has been put on the public record for the coach in the last year of his contract.
What effect will The Blue Print have? Carlton's bold plan to win two flags in the next five years could be a source of inspiration or it could prove a millstone.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
