Carlton exploded into the finals in 2023, but this didn’t result in an explosion of AFL Fantasy scoring with a reduction of the top 150 players from 12 to 7 in 2023. Faster ball movement, with the Blues trying to get the ball into big King Charles Curnow as quickly as possible, may have saved Vossy’s job, but it hurt some of our favourite streamers and performers from being the fantasy darlings we are so used to.
Carlton didn’t make a big splash at the trade or draft table, which is very unusual, but should provide us drafters with some confidence on how our Blues will perform in 2024 and beyond.
The Undervalued
Zac Williams has previously been an absolute gun AFL Fantasy defender, and having had a year off due to a knee injury, some coaches may have forgotten about him. Has the ability to push a 90 average, and if he can get a decent chunk of pre-season and stay injury-free – expect him to present value at the draft table.
Matt Kennedy & George Hewett have both previously been 90-average midfielders (which we all crave) at the Blues and both present terrific value given 2023 averages of 74.6 and 74.1 respectively. It is worth monitoring the midfield mix at Carlton during the pre-season given Bam Bam Kennedy fell out of favour come finals, but Hewett was firmly in the best 22 and closed the season with some decent scores.
The Breakout Contenders
With the Bluebaggers genuinely looking to win a premiership in 2024, they will be looking for instant impact from any young players. One of these guys who feels like has been in this article forever is Tom De Koning. If he can become the #1 ruck at the Blues and add some size to a young frame, he could take the competition by storm. Carlton did sign Marc Pittonet for 4 years, so they like him a lot, but TDK has supreme talent and could surpass him quickly.
One player the Blues did bring across is Elijah Hollands from the Suns. Has started his career at the Blues with the lawyers, but pending no long-term issues there he looms as a genuine breakout candidate. Look for him to take that mid/HF role and be a genuine link man. Could have been pick 1 in his draft year if not for injury and has talent to burn which the Blues will be hoping to tap into immediately.
The Stash Options
A player I like in this section is Lachie Cowan who showed some big scoring potential at the underage level. Look for him in the coming years to take the reins from Nic Newman, Docherty, and Williams across that half-back line.
Ollie Hollands, younger brother of Elijah, is the other name who showed some good potential last year in what was his debut season averaging 58.2. Look for him to make one wing his own and hopefully improve his average to that 75-80 range.
