It’s not just Judd, Murphy and Gibbs driving the expectations at Carlton this year.
Coach Brett Ratten says his “potent” midfield runs much deeper than the gun trio of Chris Judd, Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs as the Blues eye a top-four AFL finish for the first time since 2000.
“It’s the depth of the midfield, it’s not just those three,” Ratten said.
“When you add Simpson, Scotland, Carrazzo and Robinson, it becomes a potent group of men.”
And if Gibbs continues his rise to join Judd and Murphy among the AFL’s elite, it becomes even more potent.
“Gibbs’ elevation this year will be really important for his own self-esteem and for him to help the group,” Ratten said.
But Ratten expects the midfield will be tested in Thursday’s season opener against Richmond.
The versatility of Kade Simpson, Heath Scotland, Andrew Carrazzo and Mitch Robinson gives him more room to move, but the Tigers are also expectant this year.
And much of their expectations hang on young midfield duo Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin who now have a ruckman to help with the addition of Ivan Maric.
The planned move back to the engine-room of Brett Deledio – fresh from signing a five-year contract extension – also gives the Tigers’ added bite.
“How much you can get the ball into your front half and lock it in the midfield and those stoppages will be so critical,” Ratten said.
“It’ll be won through the midfield.”
Richmond’s forward line will also present Carlton with issues, particularly with the Blues missing three senior defenders through injury, including key man Michael Jamison.
Former forward Lachie Henderson will get the job on Richmond full-forward Jack Riewoldt, even after North Melbourne’s Drew Petrie kicked seven goals on him in a practice match earlier this month.
“Lachie Henderson played in defence last year when Jamo was out and that’s given him some real confidence down there,” Ratten said.
“He’ll be ready for the challenge on Riewoldt. That’ll be a great battle at the start of the game.
“We think Lachie as a defender has really developed, especially in the pre-season.
“In an ideal world, yes we’d love to have Jamison playing there and playing every week. But it hasn’t happened. When he does come back, we want him back for the season.”
Ratten says he needs his bookends – Jamison and Jarrad Waite – to play close to 20 games each this year if Carlton is to move into the four, while he welcomes the return to full fitness for ruckman Matthew Kreuzer who spent much of last year year hampered by injury.
He’s also nominated Paul Bower and Jordan Russell as keys to the Blues’ hopes.
“After finishing fifth last year, we just want to lift the bar and go one step further and improve,” Ratten says.
“But there’s a lot of work to be done along the way.”
Starting on Thursday night.
