AFL Team Profile: Carlton

Carlton had an outstanding finish to the 2023 AFL season, but it wasn't quite enough to carry them all the way to grand final glory.

However, they will take a lot of encouragement from the season and there is a very good chance of them being in the mix once again.

Last season’s grand final winners Collingwood are the hot fancies to retian the flag in 2024, but Carlton are among a handful of clubs who may challenge and they can be backed at 9.00 to go all the way.

Carlton have the list, but will need a lot to go their way, including keeping their star players on the park, but hopes are high for a big season.

Let’s take a look at Carlton with the new season fast approaching.

Carlton fall just short in 2023

Carlton had an unbelievable end to the 2023 season and looked to have all the momentum heading into finals.

They picked up 13 wins throughout the season, winning 10 of the last 11 games to finish fifth on the ladder.

Carlton saw off Collingwood, Port Adelaide and Melbourne during that run and there was a real belief that they may be able to end their premiership drought.

However, finishing fifth meant they would have to win the grand final the hard way, something they could not manage to do.

Finals started very well with a qualifying win over Sydney, before they then beat Melbourne by two points in the semi-final.

That win set up a preliminary final against Brisbane Lions, but it turned out to be one game too many as they slipped to a 16-point defeat.

Carlton will know they have to break into the top four this season to earn the double shot and boost their chances of winning the big one.

They can be backed at 3.00 to make the top four.

Key players

Carlton will need some good luck this season, and things have not started well before a ball has even been bounced.

Forward Jack Silvagni has been ruled out for the entire 2024 season after rupturing his ACL in pre-season training.

After a disappointing 2023, Silvagni was hoping to play a big role for the Blues in 2024, but has been denied that chance in cruel fashion.

Despite the setback, Carlton still have a list packed with quality and will have enough strength in depth to cover it.

Charlie Curnow will again be a huge player for the Blues in 2024 after winning the Coleman Medal last season.

Curnow booted 64 goals in 22 games to make him the hottest goal-sneak in the competition and if he stays fit then he will be up there again.

Key forward Harry McKay will also be crucial for Carlton if he can find his shooting boots.

Carlton have an embarrassment of riches in midfield, including the likes of Adam Cerra and Oliver Hollands.

They also have Sam Walsh and Patrick Cripps, who could be in the hunt to win the Brownlow Medal in 2024. They are priced at 13.00 and 16.00 respectively.

Lions first up for Blues

Carlton face a huge test in week one when they travel to take on Brisbane Lions in a repeat of the 2023 Preliminary Final.

They can be backed at 3.10 to pick up the win, with the Lions available at 1.38.

The week after they entertain Richmond and are priced at 1.44 to win, with the Tigers 2.80.