Formed: 1864
Joined AFL: 1897
Premierships: 16 - 1906, 1907, 1908, 1914, 1915, 1938, 1945, 1947, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1987, 1995
Last finals appearance: 2001, First semi-final (v Richmond)
2007 at a glance:
The most recent in a series of disappointing campaigns for the Blues. They won the NAB Cup for the second time in three seasons but enjoyed considerably less success from there on and finished 15th. The lowest point arrived with a 117-point hiding by the Lions in Round 16 – a loss that heralded the exit of coach Denis Pagan.
2008 to date:
At 9-11, Carlton is only one win away from equalling its total number of victories for the last three years. With leadership and midfield grunt supplied by new skipper Chris Judd and plenty of goals from Brendan Fevola, Brett Ratten’s side has knocked off Collingwood twice and also the third-placed Western Bulldogs.
The coach:
It might sound strange for a club that had finished in the bottom two in five of the previous six seasons, but Brett Ratten walked into the best situation of any of 2008’s first-time coaches. Rapidly developing youngsters, the addition of Judd, and Fevola’s firepower had the Blues ready to fire and under Ratten’s care they look capable of featuring in the finals for years to come.
Missing in action:
The Blues have a pretty clean injury slate – Eddie Betts (hamstring) is listed for a test but Setanta O’hAilpin (calf) is the only other regular senior player sidelined. Former Lion Richard Hadley resumed a fortnight ago with Carlton’s VFL affiliate the Northern Bullants, following groin trouble.
The gun:
Chris Judd was a significant shortener in Brownlow Medal voting a few weeks back and his efforts in Carlton’s weekend loss to North Melbourne give an indication why. In a soundly outplayed side, the 2004 Brownlow winner had eight contested possessions and six clearances on his way to 23 disposals for the match. So far in 2008, Judd has averaged more than 23 possessions per game and leads the Blues in tackles (69), contested possessions (207 – top in the league) and clearances (93). An explosive player and a brilliant leader.
The bolter:
Everyone knew Matthew Kreuzer could play – the Blues took the 200cm 19-year-old with the No. 1 pick of last year’s draft. But bigger players generally take longer to develop and Kreuzer’s debut season is likely to have pleasantly surprised Carlton fans. Has averaged around 10 possessions and a little under 10 hit-outs per game and shown a knack for doing a bit of everything – especially goal-kicking. Kreuzer’s season tally in front of the big sticks stands at an impressive13.1.
Strengths:
Carlton has never had any trouble putting points on the scoreboard – witness a 2007 campaign in which it finished 15th but still outscored five of the eight finalists. The scoring ability remains and with Fevola having plundered 90 goals, the Blues are currently fifth in the competition in points for. Carlton’s midfield is already excellent (and potentially elite), with experienced campaigners like Judd, Heath Scotland, Nick Stevens and Andrew Carrazzo complemented by the emerging Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs. Ratten has the Blues believing in themselves and their brand of attacking footy can be both potent and attractive.
Weaknesses:
Scoring goals is one thing; stopping them is quite another. Carlton lacks key defenders and it shows in the 2086 points it has conceded so far in 2008, at an average of 104-per-game (mind you, that’s a significant improvement on the 132-point average of 2007). The Blues’ youth is evident in their inconsistency. Aside from beating the Pies and the Dogs, Carlton hasn’t beaten another top-eight side and it has won only as many quarters (37) as 13th-placed Fremantle. The Blues aren’t overly strong in the ruck, with the game but limited Cameron Cloke assisted by the inexperienced Kreuzer.
Running hot:
The consistent Carrazzo averages 26 disposals per game and has dipped below the 20-mark just once this year (in round two)
Fevola kicked six goals against the Roos last week, including five in the first half, and is a chance to become only the second Blue to crack the 100 barrier (behind Alex Jesaulenko)
Upgraded rookie defender Michael Jamison leads Carlton in disposal efficiency (90 per cent) and is second in “one-percenters” (101).
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club
