Carlton entered the 2024 season as one of the top fancies for the premiership.
After forcing their way into the Preliminary Final last year after a lengthy finals drought, the Blues are now seen as genuine contenders.
Michael Voss’ side has started the new campaign in fine form with wins over Brisbane, Richmond and most recently North Melbourne by 56 points.
On the back of that performance, SEN’s Tim Watson suggests Carlton appears a more powerful side than it was in 2023.
“Carlton are really good. I know they were good last year but in some ways they might even be better this year,” Watson said on SEN Breakfast.
“They’re a really powerful, strong, at-it type team whose game will stand up in finals because it’s built around the contest.
“They’ve got a lot of really strong, physical players, so that will serve them well.
“(Jacob) Weitering was back on the weekend, he is such a stumbling block for any team that is trying to move the ball forward.”
One addition to the side in 2024, who only appeared at senior level once last year, is emerging midfielder Jack Carroll.
Watson has been taken by what the 21-year-old has produced so far this year after coming on as a high-impact sub against the Lions in Opening Round before picking up 20 and 16 disposals respectively against the Tigers and Roos.
“I just want to mention this guy too,” Watson added.
“I know he came on in the first game against the Brisbane Lions and did really well in the second half. But I watched Jack Carroll again on the weekend, I really like him.
“I think there’s still a lot of growth in him too. I think they’ve got something very good in Jack Carroll.”
Garry Lyon concurs: “You and I are in agreement on the Blues.”
The Blues, who currently occupy sixth position on the ladder, will look to make it four on the trot when they take on the undefeated Fremantle at Adelaide Oval in Gather Round on Saturday evening.
