CARLTON ANNOUNCES 2025 SQUAD WITH 3 KEY MEN RULED OUT DUE TO…..

Carlton has announced their 2025 AFL squad with a mix of excitement and concern, as three of their key players have been ruled out for the start of the season.

These absences are a significant blow to the club’s aspirations, but with the depth and talent within their list, the Blues remain optimistic about their chances to compete at the top level this season.

Carlton 2025 Squad (Possible List):

1. Charlie Curnow (Vice-Captain) – Forward
2. Harry McKay – Forward
3. Adam Cerra – Midfielder
4. George Hewett – Midfielder
5. Zac Fisher – Forward/Midfielder
6. Tom De Koning – Ruck/Forward
7. Matthew Kennedy – Midfielder
8. Jack Silvagni – Utility
9. Nic Newman – Defender
10. Mitch McGovern – Defender
11. Lewis Young – Defender
12. Blake Acres – Wing
13. Sam Docherty – Defender/Midfielder
14. Jesse Motlop – Forward
15. Marc Pittonet – Ruck
16. Brodie Kemp – Defender
17. Corey Durdin – Forward
18. David Cuningham – Midfielder/Forward
19. Ollie Hollands – Wing
20. Matthew Cottrell – Wing/Forward
21. Lachie Fogarty – Forward/Midfielder
22. Caleb Marchbank – Defender
23. Jack Martin – Forward
24. Paddy Dow – Midfielder
25. Sam Philp – Forward
26. Josh Honey – Forward
27. Alex Mirkov – Ruck
28. Jordan Boyd – Defender
29. Jaxon Binns – Wing (Emerging Talent)
30. Archie Stevens – Midfielder (Emerging Talent)
31. Jesse Motlop – Small Forward (Emerging Talent)
32. Domanic Akuei – Ruck/Defender (Emerging Talent)

Key Players Ruled Out

1. Patrick Cripps (Midfielder)
   Captain and Brownlow Medalist Patrick Cripps has been sidelined after suffering a serious back injury during the pre-season. Cripps is the heart and soul of Carlton’s midfield, known for his ability to win contested possessions and lead from the front. His absence will leave a gaping hole in the team’s on-ball brigade, putting pressure on other midfielders to step up and fill the void.
2. Sam Walsh (Midfielder)
   Carlton’s young superstar, Sam Walsh, is also set to miss the early rounds due to lingering recovery from a foot injury that carried over from 2024. Walsh has established himself as one of the premier midfielders in the competition, and his pace, endurance, and ball-winning ability will be sorely missed in the opening stages of the season. His absence places further strain on the Blues’ engine room.
3. Jacob Weitering (Defender)
   One of the AFL’s most reliable defenders, Jacob Weitering, will miss the first part of the 2025 season due to a hamstring injury. Weitering has been a rock in Carlton’s backline, regularly shutting down opposition forwards and leading the team’s defensive structures. His leadership and intercept marking will be difficult to replace, leaving a gap in the Blues’ defense.

Squad Depth and New Additions

Despite these setbacks, Carlton has bolstered their squad with new talent and the development of emerging players who are ready to take the next step in their careers. Coach Michael Voss has been preparing for the upcoming season by focusing on building a system that doesn’t rely on individual brilliance but rather a collective effort across all areas of the ground.

Some key inclusions for 2025 include:

• Adam Cerra: With Cripps and Walsh out, Cerra will need to take on an even greater role in the midfield. His ball use and vision will be critical for Carlton to stay competitive in the engine room.
• Charlie Curnow: The Coleman Medalist will be the focal point of Carlton’s forward line. Curnow’s ability to kick goals and provide a target will be vital in the team’s attacking structure.
• Tom De Koning: With Weitering out, De Koning’s role in both the ruck and defense will be crucial. His versatility makes him an important piece in the Blues’ squad.

Carlton’s 2025 Outlook

While the absence of Cripps, Walsh, and Weitering presents a challenge, Carlton remains a formidable team with a solid core of experienced players and exciting young talent. Players like Cerra, Curnow, and De Koning will be key to how Carlton starts the season, but the team’s overall depth will also be tested.

Michael Voss will look to the likes of Matthew Kennedy, George Hewett, and Zac Fisher to step up in the midfield, while Mitch McGovern and Lewis Young will need to hold down the fort in defense. If the Blues can maintain their form and remain competitive in the early rounds, they will be well-positioned to challenge for a top-eight spot once their stars return from injury.

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