Western Bulldogs great Brad Johnson believes Carlton will definitely play finals in 2023.
After an 8-2 start to 2022, the Blues capitulated in the second half of the year, missing out on the eight after losing their last four games of the season.
In what was the first year under new coach Michael Voss, Johnson expects the Blues to improve again and take their place in their first finals campaign since 2013.
“They were good this year the Blues, they were great to watch, they missed out on the finals finishing ninth, but I think Michael Voss changed the tone in terms of the way they want to play their footy,” Johnson told SEN’s Sportsday.
“Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh finally got some help in the midfield with George Hewett, Adam Cerra, Matthew Kennedy and Lachie O’Brien were all ok.”
In what was a relatively quiet off-season for Carlton, they did acquire former Fremantle wingman Blake Acres, filling a much-needed void on the outside.
“Blake Acres is going to be great for them because what he does is he creates width, he is a width player, he plays the wings, and he plays them wide,” Johnson added.
“He’s the perfect player for when they are coming out of defence, that they will be able to have access to a player who will be able to continue that transition of the ball going forward.”
For the first time since 2000, Carlton had three players named in the All-Australian team, with captain Patrick Cripps, Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow and defender Adam Saad all making the side.
“They had three All-Australians this year - although not making the finals - in Cripps, Charlie Curnow and Adam Saad,” Johnson said.
“So all of a sudden you’ve got All-Australians, you’ve got (Jacob) Weitering, Curnow and (Harry) McKay as the three bigs that they have built the team around.
“I thought Sam Docherty was one of the stories of the year coming back from cancer and then playing the football that he did was just outstanding.
“Corey Durdin was excellent up forward, and Jesse Motlop provided a spark.
“Everything is in the right spot for Carlton to really grow and push themselves out.
“They will be a top eight side definitely next year and will sit in the top six.”