What happened to the Carlton Blues’ depth? It landed at other clubs

The 0-4 Blues have gutted their depth. Gone to other clubs in the past three seasons are Will Setterfield, Liam Stocker, Paddy Dow, Jack Carroll, Matthew Kennedy, Jack Martin and Matthew Owies. David Cuningham and Caleb Marchbank, injury-prone but highly talented, have also left. Loading There were sound reasons for all those changes, which allowed Blues list boss Nick Austin to take more picks in the draft, headlined by the audacious move last year to acquire Jagga Smith. Smith’s pre-season knee injury means his acquisition is now viewed through the prism of the heavy price paid rather than anything he does on the field. Except for Kennedy, a well-respected clubman and top-10 in their best and fairest last year, none have made the Blues pay, but it means Voss must now turn to kids and debutants. As reported by this masthead, Harry McKay and Elijah Hollands are no certainties to return to the senior team despite a return to competitive football on the weekend after time out for personal reasons.

Corey Durdin, Jordan Boyd and the uncapped Matt Carroll will come under strong consideration. Ben and Lucas Camporeale are tracking for opportunities later in the year. The rest are still finding their way at the lower level. Can Danger get to 400? Friday night, GMHBA Stadium

Geelong defeated Melbourne by 39 points Patrick Dangerfield looked powerful on Friday night. Could he make it to 400 games? Credit: Getty Images Patrick Dangerfield turned 35 on the weekend. Most players have retired by that age. If they haven’t, they are well and truly slowing down. Not so Dangerfield.

Injuries have not dulled Dangerfield’s explosiveness. The 2016 Brownlow medallist still has the speed and power that have made him one of the best players of the 21st century, and the preparedness to use it despite his vulnerability to soft-tissue injuries. “When you look at older players, the ones that haven’t lost their speed and power you think they can play forever,” Geelong coach Chris Scott said. “Pat certainly hasn’t lost any of that.” Which begs the question, how much longer can Dangerfield play for? And can he join the 400 club? If Dangerfield, contracted until the end of 2026, can play 20 games this year and next for the perennial finalists, it will take him to 377 and within reach of 400 in 2027.

You’d think injuries, and not form, will be the critical factor for Dangerfield, who has not played a full season since 2020. The Cats will be keeping a close eye on Dangerfield’s workload. Back-to-back six-day breaks heading into rounds seven and eight present a logical time for him to be rested. Playing forward will help Dangerfield’s longevity, giving him the breaks between contests that he is not afforded when he plays on the ball. His coach wants him forward. He can envisage Dangerfield having a similar impact near goal as Leigh Matthews, viewed by many as the greatest of all time, who played out his career from the goal square.

Loading With goalkicking great Tom Hawkins retired and young forward Shannon Neale finding his way, the Cats have a need for Dangerfield inside 50, though he remains their best midfielder as well. “The more we can be kicking the ball to him, rather than him kicking it in there, we think it’s going to be better for us,” Cats coach Chris Scott said. “I think he thinks that he can be a forward for many years to come, I think he’s looking forward to that challenge. “The best player of all-time [Matthews] did it, he went forward ... they’re a bit similar.”

The connection between Swans recruit and Luke Parker Saturday night, Marvel Stadium

Sydney defeated North Melbourne by 65 points Sydney wanted more than the bag of chips North Melbourne were offering for Luke Parker last year because they felt he was worth more than a pick in the 60s. Former teammates Luke Parker and Braeden Campbell embrace post game. Credit: AFL Photos Discussions between the clubs slowed after initial talks, but eventually a deal was settled on deadline day for pick 44 to head to Sydney in exchange for Parker and Jacob Konstanty.

Loading That pick, eventually No.41, was used to secure mature-age recruit and childhood Swans supporter Riley Bice, who was already impressing figures at Sydney before his 26-possession game against the Kangaroos. Bice has also taken Parker’s No.26 jumper. After three games, Bice is shaping as another astute, bargain-basement buy for the Swans, who turned a veteran, albeit a favourite son, who was no longer central to their plans into a younger, ready-made player. It’s also a win for Parker, who was due to come out of contract this year with Sydney but was given an extension to 2026 by North.

The loss that did not feel like one Saturday twilight, MCG

Brisbane defeated Richmond by 28 points England’s cricketers put the term “moral victory” into the sporting lexicon during the 2023 Ashes. Not even the most rabid of Richmond supporters would be so silly as to say they were moral victors over Brisbane, but this was one of those rare games where a loss would not have felt like one for the fans. The young Tigers played with obvious spirit against the reigning premiers. Credit: via Getty Images Their No.1 draft pick (Sam Lalor) had 24 possessions and two goals. And another first-round pick Luke Trainor showed promise again in defence. Seth Campbell is building a handy second season. Senior players Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto are up for the fight.

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