Hi everyone,

I saw an article in today’s Herald Sun by Bruce Matthews, as he had a look into the crystal ball to predict the Blues fortunes for the year. I believe he predicted Carlton would finish 7th or 8th – and that part, I agree with. In fact, my pre-season ladder prediction tipped an 8th placed finish for the Blues in 2009.

I was mystified, however, by Matthews’ prediction of our ‘best 22′ (that is, our best starting line-up of 18 plus 4 interchange players). He even listed emergencies, however I felt there were some glaring omissions from the squad.

So for what it’s worth, here is my best effort at our starting 22 (plus emergencies). It’s important to note that this would not be an accurate line-up for round 1 due to the suspension of Nick Stevens. I’ve left out Robbie Warnock for now, given his unknown injury status.

Full-back

P.Bower, M.Jamison, B.Thornton

Half-back

N.Stevens, J.Waite, S.Grigg

Tough to know exactly where to slot Bower, Jamison, Thornton and Waite – as weekly match-ups will determine their respective places on the field. I’ve left Stevens in the backline, as there is a strong feeling that he’ll be doing a lot of work out of the backline in 2009 – and with his excellent disposal, it makes some sense. I’ve put Grigg on the half back flank, due to some excellent form in 2008 and a promising 2009 pre-season campaign so far.

Centre

K.Simpson, B.Gibbs, H.Scotland

Solid centre line here. Simpson is a long-time favourite of mine, and is seemingly improving year by year. Gibbs in an absolute stand-out with no explanation needed, whilst Scotland, if healthy, should prove very damaging on a wing. He’s as good a kick as Stevens at times.

Half-forward

R.Houlihan, C.Cloke, S.Wiggins

Cloke aside, this line reminds me of Carlton’s dark days from the early 00’s. But Houlihan has proved, when he’s healthy, to be an extremely valuable player for the Blues – and word is, he is pain-free for the first time in a long time. Wiggins and Cloke deserve their spot for their strong work ethic and agression/courage at the contest – after both had encouraging years in 2008.

Full-forward

E.Betts, B.Fevola, M.Robinson

Fevola and Betts have become mainstays on Carlton’s full-forward line, and rightly so. I’d start Robinson out of a forward pocket just to mix things up and add even more enthusiasm to a forward line that should worry some opposition clubs this season.

Followers

M.Kruezer, C.Judd, M.Murphy

An outstanding following division – Judd and Murphy in particular are absolute premiums and should provide a lot of excitement for the Blues this season. Carlton would be hoping for bigger and better things from Kruezer in 2009, even after performing to, and then exceeding, expectations last year.

Interchange

A.Carrazzo, J.Russell, C.Johnson, B.Fisher

I decided not to go for another ruckman, as I’m backing Kruezer and Cloke to carry most of the load. Sam Jacobs has impressed me throughout the pre-season but I don’t believe he’s done enough just yet. Carrazzo I just couldn’t slip into the starting 18, but some midfield depth off the bench is handy. Russell and Fisher are in our best 22 and being the utility types they are (though Fisher has played mostly as a forward), could prove very useful as interchange players. Johnson provides another defensive option in case of match-up problems on-field.

Emergency

A.Walker (only if healthy), C.Yarran (once he has shown form in the reserves), R.Hadley (usually a solid contributor)

The selectors face a tough decision when/if Warnock gets healthy. Obviously Kruezer doesn’t come out of the team, so perhaps Cloke would face the chop then? I suppose in theory if Cloke can hold down centre half forward, Kruezer and Warnock could provide us with a dynamic 1-2 punch in the ruck.

What do you think of my starting 22? Feel free to leave a comment and include any changes you may make to the side.

Cheers,

Luke.