As the Carlton Blues gear up for the 2025 AFL season, several players stand out as undervalued assets, potential breakout candidates, and strategic stash options for keeper league teams. Here’s a comprehensive look at the Blues players to consider for your teams.
Undervalued Players
Charlie Curnow
It feels odd to classify Charlie Curnow as undervalued, given his superstar status, but he only averaged 74 points per game last season. While it’s unlikely he will significantly improve on this, Curnow remains a completely serviceable forward, particularly given the scarcity of good forward options. With his proven ability to kick big bags of goals and post strong scores, Curnow is a reliable option for your team.
Adam Cerra
Adam Cerra struggled with injuries last season, and his 73 average doesn’t reflect his true ability. Carlton also experimented with him in different roles, including a stint across the half-back line later in the year—a position he had played earlier in his career. If Cerra can settle into a more fantasy-friendly role, perhaps in defence, he could offer strong value. Competition for midfield spots, particularly with Jagger Smith’s arrival, adds some uncertainty to his fantasy output in 2025, but hopefully, he can live up to his potential one way or another.
Nick Haynes
Nick Haynes has been a reliable scorer when he’s on the park. While he often holds down a key defensive post, he manages to boost his scores with intercept marks and possessions off the half-back line. There’s a chance Haynes plays a more lockdown role at Carlton, given their lack of key defenders, but if he maintains his usual 70-point average, he’ll be a handy defensive option for keeper league teams.
Brodie Kemp
Brodie Kemp is unlikely to ever average big numbers, but he’s the type of player who pops up with a 75+ score every few weeks. This makes him a useful streaming option to round out your bench. He’s particularly valuable in leagues that allow loopholes, or streaming him in favourable matchups.
Breakout Candidates
Elijah Hollands
Elijah Hollands has the potential for a breakout season, but much depends on how much midfield time he gets. Last year, injuries at Carlton saw him spend more time in the middle, and while it’s unclear if this continues with a fully fit squad, his ability to balance forward and midfield roles makes him an intriguing option. Given his age and glimpses of fantasy potential, Hollands is a solid forward option to draft.
Oliver Hollands
Oliver Hollands has shown glimpses of being a fantasy type, despite primarily playing as a winger in his first two seasons. However, he played on the half-back flank at the end of last season and Carlton has been training him as a defender in the preseason, which could see him transition into a half-back flanker role full time—a position with strong fantasy upside. If he can secure this role, 2025 could be his breakout year.
Lachlan Cowan
Lachlan Cowan has potential, but his opportunity hinges on several factors. Players like Sam Docherty may need to play midfield full-time, or others like Adam Saad and Nick Newman might decline, creating space for Cowan to step into a fantasy-friendly role. While not guaranteed, there’s enough upside to keep an eye on Cowan this season.
Stash Options
Cooper Lord
Cooper Lord showed glimpses of potential in his two games last season, getting a decent run in the midfield when injuries hit Carlton. However, with a fully fit squad, Lord is likely a long way off regular senior selection. That said, the potential he displayed makes him worth stashing for the future.
Jaxon Binns
Jaxon Binns is in a similar position to Cooper Lord. While his VFL performances suggest he has a strong fantasy game, it’s hard to see him breaking into Carlton’s senior team in 2025. He’s likely waiting for an opportunity, perhaps when someone like Blake Acres moves on. For now, he’s a stash option with long-term upside.
Rookie Watch
Jagga Smith
Jagga Smith is touted as the best fantasy player in this year’s draft class. While some question how he fits into Carlton’s midfield and whether he’ll get early opportunities, his class and talent make it hard to see him left out of the team for long. He’s a strong chance to debut in Round 1 and is a must-watch rookie for keeper leagues. For more details on Smith and other draftees, check out our draftee fantasy guide.
